If you’re craving something cozy, nutritious, and absolutely bursting with flavor, the Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer. This dish marries tender, seasoned ground turkey with sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes and melty cheddar cheese, creating a wholesome casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for dinner any night of the week, this recipe balances lean protein, vibrant veggies, and creamy textures in a way that’s incredibly satisfying without weighing you down. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to nailing this Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: from the naturally sweet and tender sweet potatoes to the savory, juicy ground turkey, and not forgetting the fragrant herbs and creamy cheese that bring everything together beautifully.
- Sweet potatoes (2 large, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes): These add a lovely sweetness and creamy texture once roasted, forming the backbone of the casserole.
- Olive oil (1.5 tbsp): A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps the sweet potatoes roast perfectly and brings out their natural sugars.
- Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): A subtle punch that complements the turkey’s savoriness.
- Fresh rosemary (2.5 tsp, finely minced): The fresh herbaceous aroma lifts the entire dish with its fragrant notes.
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Lean yet flavorful protein that keeps the casserole hearty without heaviness.
- Yellow onion (1 large, finely diced): Adds sweetness and a tender bite when cooked down with the turkey.
- Vegetable broth (14.5 oz, less sodium preferred): Keeps everything moist and infuses subtle flavor into the rice.
- Milk (2 cups): Creates a creamy, luscious texture in the casserole’s sauce.
- Basmati rice (1 cup, rinsed): Light and fluffy rice absorbs the flavorful broth and ties the dish together.
- Cheddar cheese (2.5 cups, shredded from a block): Melts gorgeously over the casserole, adding richness and a gorgeous golden crust.
- Parsley (2 tsp): Offers a fresh pop of color and flavor, perfect for finishing the dish.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Brings a subtle smoky depth that rounds out the savory elements.
How to Make Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven and tossing the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and freshly minced rosemary. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast until tender and lightly caramelized. This step is key because roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and develops a beautiful texture that contrasts perfectly with the turkey and rice mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey and Onion
While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté finely diced yellow onion until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart, and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, allowing the spices to infuse the meat with warm, smoky notes. This mixture forms the savory base of your casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
In a pot, combine rinsed basmati rice with vegetable broth and milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and creamy, absorbing the flavorful liquids. This blend of broth and milk creates a luscious texture that binds the casserole layers together and keeps the dish moist and comforting.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey and onion mixture with the creamy rice, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkling of parsley. Fold in the roasted sweet potatoes gently to keep their shape intact. Transfer everything into a baking dish, smoothing the top for even melting.
Step 5: Bake and Melt Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating an irresistible crust that contrasts with the tender layers beneath. This final bake brings all the flavors together, sealing in moisture, and delivering that hearty, cheesy satisfaction we all crave.
How to Serve Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and turkey. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can amp up the flavor and bring a creamy coolness that’s delightful.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, vibrant salads—think baby arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy cucumber and tomato salad. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a wonderful textural contrast and plenty of nutrients to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or meal prep, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or layer it in a glass dish to show off the beautiful colors and textures. You can also top each portion with a fried egg for breakfast-for-dinner vibes or add some sliced avocado on the side for creaminess and a dose of healthy fats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next serving even more delicious.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the gooey cheese texture. If you’re short on time, microwave individual portions but add a minute or two to avoid drying out the turkey. A splash of milk before reheating can help keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will keep the casserole light while still providing plenty of protein. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to your taste, as chicken can be milder.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily swap ground turkey for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adding mushrooms can also bring a meaty texture and umami-rich flavor.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Cheddar is great for melting and sharpness, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooeyness or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep the total cheese volume similar to maintain creaminess.
Do I have to cook the rice before assembling?
Yes, pre-cooking the rice ensures it’s tender and creamy in the final casserole. Using uncooked rice would require longer baking and might result in uneven cooking.
How spicy is this casserole?
This dish is mild by default, thanks to the gentle seasoning and smoky paprika. If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños in the turkey mix to heat things up.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe enough—it’s one of those all-around dishes that feels like home and tastes like comfort. The ease of preparation combined with wholesome, vibrant ingredients makes it a go-to for busy nights or crowd-pleasing meals. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it your own cherished favorite, just like I have.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and nutritious one-dish meal that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with savory ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2.5 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 tsp parsley
Proteins
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear
Liquids
- 14.5 oz vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups milk
Seasonings and Oils
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil (preferably extra virgin for roasting)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1.5 tsp minced rosemary. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the ground turkey and onions: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining 0.5 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey, smoked paprika, remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tsp rosemary. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon until fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare rice mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed basmati rice with the vegetable broth, milk, parsley, and the cooked ground turkey mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the roasted sweet potatoes on the bottom. Pour in the turkey-rice mixture evenly on top. Then, layer the remaining sweet potatoes over the rice mixture.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, freshly shred your own cheddar cheese as pre-shredded cheeses may contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make this dish dairy-free, replace the milk with a plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Ensure you rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent the casserole from becoming gummy.
