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For this comforting casserole, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil These items bring rich flavors and great texture to the dish. The ground turkey offers lean protein, while sweet potatoes add natural sweetness. Spinach and tomatoes boost the nutrition. You can make this dish even better with a few garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Crunchy tortilla chips Sprinkling fresh parsley brightens up your plate. The chips add a fun crunch. You can serve this casserole with a side salad for extra greens. If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey. - Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash for a different flavor. - Replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. These substitutions keep the essence of the dish while catering to your needs. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil Wash your sweet potatoes and peel them well. Dice them into small cubes. Chop your onion finely and mince the garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes and roughly chop the spinach. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute. Now, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir until it turns brown, which should take around 5-6 minutes. After that, add the diced sweet potatoes, chopped spinach, halved tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well. Cook for another 8-10 minutes. Keep mixing until the sweet potatoes soften. Once the turkey and veggies are cooked, transfer this mix to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before this step. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal! To make sure your sweet potatoes are tender, cut them small. Dicing them into half-inch pieces helps them cook faster. Cook them in the skillet for about 8-10 minutes with the ground turkey mix. Stir often so they cook evenly. If you want to check for doneness, pierce them with a fork. They should be soft but not mushy. While mozzarella is great, you can try other cheeses. Cheddar adds a sharp taste. Feta gives a nice tangy flavor. Monterey Jack melts well and is creamy. If you're going dairy-free, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Adding herbs and spices boosts the flavor of your casserole. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness. Thyme or oregano pairs well with the turkey. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Experiment with what you have. A little extra spice can make a big difference! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavor of your casserole. Opt for in-season produce for the best taste and nutrition. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the turkey-sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cheese and bake when ready to serve! Check Sweet Potato Doneness: Ensure the sweet potatoes are cooked through by piercing them with a fork. They should be tender before transferring to the baking dish. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey for a mix of beans or lentils. Use 1 can of black beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained. This keeps protein high while adding fiber. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra flavor and texture. If you want a low-carb dish, replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower. Use 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small pieces. Steam or roast the cauliflower until tender before mixing it with the other ingredients. This keeps the dish light while still being filling and tasty. For a kick of flavor, try a Mexican twist! Add 1 can of black olives and 1 cup of corn. Sprinkle in some cilantro for freshness. You can even use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra spice. This way, you create a fun, vibrant casserole that’s perfect for taco night! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the casserole cool first. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it’s been stored. When reheating, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just be sure to cover them to avoid drying out. Freezing is a great option for future meals. Make sure the casserole is completely cool. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. The casserole can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors may even improve as it sits. Just reheat it gently before serving. Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. You can cook and mix all the ingredients, then store them in the fridge overnight. Just bake it the next day when you're ready to eat. This makes it great for busy days or special occasions. This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options: - A simple green salad - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Roasted Brussels sprouts - Cornbread for a comforting touch These sides add colors and textures that complement the casserole nicely. We've covered the main ingredients for a ground turkey sweet potato casserole and how to prepare it step by step. I've shared tips for perfect sweet potatoes and flavorful herbs. You saw variations like a vegetarian option and a low-carb choice. Proper storage info ensures your leftovers stay fresh. In conclusion, this dish is versatile, healthy, and easy to make. Enjoy trying different flavors and making this recipe your own. You can make delicious meals for you and your family.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

A hearty and healthy casserole made with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  • Transfer the turkey-sweet potato mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Scoop servings onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture. Enjoy warm!
Keyword casserole, healthy, Sweet Potato, turkey