Introduction
Transform humble sweet potatoes and ground turkey into a hearty, delicious casserole that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering! This recipe takes the classic sweet potato casserole and gives it a savory twist, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Get ready to enjoy a comforting dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it cleverly combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory goodness of ground turkey. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional casseroles, packed with nutrients and flavor. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it perfect for even the busiest weeknights, and the result is a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to pull off!
Key Ingredients
🍠 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
🦃 1 lb ground turkey
🧅 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥣 1/2 cup chicken broth
🌿 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
🍂 1 tsp dried sage
🍁 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
🧀 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Boil or steam the cubed sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
3️⃣ While the sweet potatoes are cooking, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
4️⃣ Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5️⃣ Stir in the chicken broth, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6️⃣ Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth (leaving some texture is okay!).
7️⃣ Add the turkey mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes and stir to combine.
8️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9️⃣ Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
🔟 Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-cut sweet potatoes to save time!
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the sweet potato mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Heat Control
Using a 375°F (190°C) oven ensures the casserole cooks evenly without burning. Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat, as this can dry out the sweet potatoes and turkey. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe isn’t designed to be crunchy, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes and savory turkey.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use ground turkey breast mixed with ground turkey dark meat.
- Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Leftover mashed sweet potatoes can be added to the casserole for extra creaminess.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole is perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings! Package individual portions in disposable aluminum containers and tie them with festive ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Southwest: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the turkey mixture and top with crumbled cotija cheese.
🌟 Creamy Chipotle: Stir in a tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.
🌟 Cranberry-Walnut: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts before baking.
🌟 Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the sweet potato mixture for a fall twist.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Casserole is too dry.
Solution: Add a little more chicken broth or milk to the mixture before baking.
Problem: Sweet potatoes are not fully cooked.
Solution: Ensure the sweet potatoes are tender before adding them to the turkey mixture. You might need to cook them a bit longer.
Problem: Casserole is burning on top.
Solution: Tent the top of the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of ground meat?
A: Yes, ground chicken or ground beef can be used as a substitute for ground turkey.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: My sweet potatoes are really small. How many should I use?
A: Use enough sweet potatoes to yield about 3 cups of cooked and mashed sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, full of flavor and comfort. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion and a fantastic way to use up those delicious sweet potatoes. Give it a try and share your delightful culinary experience with us! We can’t wait to see your amazing creations!
Sweet Potato Turkey Casserole: Family Favorite!
A hearty and nutritious casserole combining sweet potatoes and lean turkey, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautu00e9 until translucent.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for another 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with milk until smooth.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the turkey mixture evenly at the bottom.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture on top of the turkey layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for garnish before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if desired.