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- 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow) - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - Olive oil for sautéing - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping - Fresh cilantro for garnish Ground turkey serves as the lean protein in this dish. It cooks quickly and stays moist. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a lovely texture. Black beans boost fiber and protein, making the meal filling. Onions and garlic bring depth to the flavor. Bell pepper adds crunch and color. The spices, like smoked paprika and cumin, create warmth and depth. Chicken broth keeps the casserole moist and ties everything together. Optional cheese can add a creamy finish, while fresh cilantro adds brightness. You can play with these ingredients to make the dish your own. Enjoy mixing and matching flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} Prepping vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves. Make sure all pieces are about the same size for even cooking. Cooking ground turkey: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about five minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it until it turns brown, which takes about six to eight minutes. Break the turkey apart with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly. Combining ingredients in the skillet: Once the turkey is browned, season the mixture. Use smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. Next, add the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Mix until everything is well combined. Transferring to the baking dish: Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the turkey mixture into it. Spread it out evenly. This helps it cook properly in the oven. Covering and baking: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in your preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes. This gives the sweet potatoes time to soften. Adding cheese and final baking time: After 25 minutes, remove the foil. If you want cheese, sprinkle it on top. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The casserole is done when the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Add fresh cilantro on top if you like. Enjoy your hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole! To ensure your ground turkey cooks evenly, break it apart with a spatula while it cooks. This helps it brown well. Use medium heat for best results. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Sweet potatoes can be tricky. To avoid overcooking them, cut them into uniform pieces. This way, they cook at the same rate. Keep an eye on the casserole in the oven. You want them tender but not mushy. For spice adjustments, feel free to add more chili powder if you like heat. A pinch of cayenne can also enhance the flavor. If you want a milder taste, reduce the chili powder. Adding more vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Consider adding diced zucchini or spinach. They blend well with the other ingredients. You can also use different bell peppers for varied tastes. For serving, use a large spoon to scoop the casserole into bowls. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy. You can serve it with a side salad for a fresh crunch. Garnishing ideas include a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. It adds color and a burst of flavor. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Pro Tips Ingredient Substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken or beef for a different flavor profile. Adding More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost the nutrition content of the casserole. Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture. Storing Leftovers: This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving. {{image_2}} You can change the ground turkey in the casserole. Try ground chicken or beef. Both will work well. If you want a lighter option, use ground turkey breast. It has less fat but still adds great flavor. You can also use different beans. Black beans are great, but you can try pinto or kidney beans. These will change the taste but still keep it hearty. Experiment with your favorite beans to find the mix you enjoy! If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is easy to adapt. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check your spices and broth for any hidden gluten. For a vegetarian version, skip the ground turkey. You can add more beans or lentils instead. Swap in extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. This way, you keep the casserole filling and delicious without the meat. You can change the spices for a new flavor profile. If you love heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a smoky taste, use more smoked paprika. Adjust the spices to match your taste buds. Adding sauces can also enhance the dish. Try a splash of hot sauce for heat or barbecue sauce for sweetness. You can even mix in a bit of salsa for a fresh twist. Toppings like sour cream or avocado can add creaminess and flavor, too! To keep your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: Place the casserole in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down first before sealing. - Freezing instructions: If you want to freeze it, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your casserole again, use these reheating tips: - Best methods for reheating: The oven is ideal. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps the casserole warm and helps the flavors meld together. - Tips for maintaining texture: Cover the dish with foil while reheating. This prevents it from drying out. If you want crispy edges, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes. Understanding shelf life helps you avoid waste: - Duration in fridge vs freezer: In the fridge, your casserole lasts 3-4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage when storing. - Signs of spoilage: Look for off smells, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If you see any of these, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your delicious meal safely! Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Assemble it, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready to serve. This saves time and makes dinner easy. What sides pair well with this dish? This casserole goes well with a simple salad or steamed veggies. You could also serve it with warm bread to soak up the flavors. How do I know when the casserole is done? Check if the sweet potatoes are tender. You can insert a fork to test them. If the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s ready to enjoy. Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe? Absolutely! Leftover turkey works great. Just chop it up and add it when cooking the onion and peppers. This makes the dish even quicker to prepare. What if I don't have sweet potatoes? If you lack sweet potatoes, use regular potatoes or butternut squash. They will add a nice flavor and texture. Just adjust the cooking time if needed. Can I use ground turkey breast instead of regular? Yes, ground turkey breast is fine to use. It may be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a little extra oil. This keeps the casserole moist and tasty. This blog post provided a clear view of making a delicious casserole. We explored main and optional ingredients, giving you choices to make it your own. I shared tips for cooking and flavoring, plus how to store leftovers. Remember, you can switch up ingredients to fit your needs and tastes. With a few easy steps, you’ll whip up a tasty dish that your family will love. Enjoy the cooking, and make it fun!

Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

A delicious and filling casserole made with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetables and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 unit onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • for sautéing unit olive oil
  • for garnish (optional) unit fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
  • Season the mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  • Add the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the skillet. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top (if using). Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Optional to add cheese and garnish with cilantro.
Keyword casserole, ground turkey, healthy, sweet potatoes