Okay, so you want to talk about my absolute favorite go-to comfort meal? Let me tell you, this Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is a total game-changer. It’s the kind of dish that just wraps you up in a warm hug, you know? I whipped this up one night when I was feeling a bit under the weather and needed something super nourishing but also ridiculously easy, and honestly, it’s been a staple ever since. It’s packed with good-for-you stuff like lean turkey and those naturally sweet potatoes, making it feel like a treat without being heavy. Plus, the spices? Oh my goodness, they just sing together!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Seriously, this casserole is a winner for so many reasons:

So Easy to Make: You can throw this together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights!
Super Flavorful: The sweet potatoes and warm spices are just *chef’s kiss*.
Healthy & Filling: Packed with lean protein and wholesome veggies, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
Comfort Food Bliss: It’s the perfect cozy dish for any occasion.

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this absolute dream of a Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole, you’ll need a few simple things. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy here, just good, honest ingredients that come together like magic. I always like to have everything prepped and ready to go before I even start cooking, it just makes the whole process so much smoother. You’ll see!

Essential Ingredients for Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

1 pound of ground turkey – I usually go for the 93% lean stuff, it has just enough fat to keep things moist.
2 big sweet potatoes, peeled and then cut into cubes. I like them about 1-inch squares, so they cook evenly.
1 onion, chopped up. Yellow or white works great!
2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh is best here, trust me!
1 teaspoon of olive oil – just enough to get things started in the pan.
1 teaspoon of cumin, because it adds that lovely earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon of paprika – it gives a nice color and a little warmth.
1/2 teaspoon of salt, or to your taste.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground if you have it!
1/2 cup of chicken broth. This is key for cooking those sweet potatoes just right.
And finally, about 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped up for a pop of green and freshness at the end.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Now, if you’re in a pinch or have different dietary needs, don’t sweat it! If you can’t find ground turkey, ground chicken works beautifully too. And for the sweet potatoes, if cubing feels like too much work, you can totally grate them, just be aware they might cook a bit faster. For a creamier vibe, a little splash of milk or even half-and-half stirred in at the end before baking is heavenly. Oh, and if you want to sneak in some extra veggies, finely chopped bell peppers or a handful of spinach wilted into the turkey mixture is fantastic!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness happening! Making this Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is honestly a breeze, and the steps just flow so nicely. I like to have everything measured out before I start, so when it’s time to cook, I’m not scrambling. It makes the whole process feel super relaxing, and you end up with something amazing. Trust me, you’re going to love how this comes together.

Preparing the Base for Your Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that oven nice and warm so it’s ready when we are. Now, grab a big skillet – a large one is key here! Put it over medium heat and add that teaspoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a little, toss in your chopped onion. Let those onions cook down until they’re soft and a little see-through, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part; soft onions make everything taste better! Next, add your minced garlic. Garlic is potent, so just a minute is all you need until you can really smell it. Be careful not to burn it, or it gets bitter!

Now for the star protein: the ground turkey! Dump that into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use your spoon to break it all up into smaller pieces. You want to cook it until it’s nicely browned all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s all browned, you’ll probably have some extra fat sitting in the pan. Just carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess fat. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!

Combining and Simmering the Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Okay, so the turkey is browned and drained. Now it’s time to bring in those amazing flavors! Sprinkle in your cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to coat the turkey. Oh, the smell at this point is already incredible! Next, add your cubed sweet potatoes right into the skillet with the turkey mixture. Pour in that 1/2 cup of chicken broth – this is what helps cook the sweet potatoes until they’re perfectly tender. Give everything a good mix to make sure those sweet potatoes are nestled in there. Once it starts to simmer gently, put a lid on the skillet. Let it all cook together for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want to check the sweet potatoes; they should be tender when you poke them with a fork, but not mushy. If they’re still a bit firm, just give them a few more minutes with the lid on.

Baking and Finishing Your Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Once those sweet potatoes are just right, carefully transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into a baking dish. I usually use a standard 8×8 inch baking dish, but whatever you have that fits it all works! Smooth it out a bit so it’s an even layer. Now, pop that baking dish into your preheated oven. You only need to bake it for about 10 more minutes, just to make sure everything is heated through and those flavors have really melded together. When it comes out of the oven, it’ll look and smell absolutely divine. For the final touch, sprinkle that chopped fresh parsley all over the top. It adds such a lovely freshness and a beautiful pop of color. And that’s it! Your amazing Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is ready to be devoured.

Tips for Success with Your Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Want to make sure your Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole turns out absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First off, don’t skimp on prepping those sweet potatoes – getting them into roughly equal-sized cubes means they’ll cook evenly. Nobody likes one bite being too soft and another too hard! Also, draining that excess fat from the turkey is a must; it keeps the casserole from getting greasy. If you’re short on time, you can actually cube the sweet potatoes ahead of time and keep them in water in the fridge, but make sure to drain them well before cooking. Oh, and tasting as you go for salt and pepper is always a good idea!

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

This Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is practically a meal in itself, but it’s also fantastic with a few extras! I love serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a little freshness. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on top is also delicious if you want a bit of creaminess. Honestly, though, it’s so satisfying on its own, you might not even need anything else!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Got questions about my favorite Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole? I totally get it! It’s always good to know the little details. Here are a few things people often ask me, and hopefully, they help you out too!

Can I Make This Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?

Oh, absolutely! This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping. You can totally assemble the whole thing – cook the turkey mixture and put it in the baking dish – and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. I’d say it’ll keep nicely for about a day before you bake it. When you’re ready to cook, just uncover it and bake it as usual, though you might need an extra 5-10 minutes since it’ll be starting out cold. It’s such a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

How Long Can I Store Leftovers of This Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole?

Leftovers? Yes, please! Once the casserole has cooled down, I usually put it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days, which is pretty great for a meal this delicious. To reheat, you can either pop a portion back in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through, or even just zap it in the microwave for a quick snack. It’s just as yummy the next day!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Your Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and exact portion sizes. But generally, each serving is around 350 calories, with about 25g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 10g of fat. It’s a pretty balanced meal, packed with good stuff!

Amazing 1-Hour Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and nutritious casserole featuring ground turkey and sweet potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the cubed sweet potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
This casserole can be made ahead and reheated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: ground turkey, sweet potato, casserole, healthy, easy, dinner, comfort food