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Cozy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

ground turkey sweet potato casserole - featured image

A hearty yet light casserole combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with savory ground turkey, seasoned with warming spices and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy nights and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping (optional)
  • Butter or splash of chicken broth for creamier mashed potatoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks. Boil in water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
  3. Mash the sweet potatoes using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth but still a bit textured. Add a splash of chicken broth or a pat of butter if desired for creaminess.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Season the turkey with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat evenly.
  8. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
  9. Transfer the turkey mixture into a mixing bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir gently to combine, keeping some texture.
  10. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If cheese browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  13. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook sweet potatoes to avoid waterlogging. Let turkey brown well for deeper flavor. If cheese browns too fast, tent casserole with foil. Can substitute ground turkey with chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles. For dairy-free, omit or replace cheddar with plant-based cheese. Optional crunchy topping with chopped pecans or walnuts.

Nutrition

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