Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes mingled with savory ground turkey and melted cheese is like a warm hug in casserole form. This recipe for Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole has been a game-changer in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I want something hearty, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is secretly good for you—perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week.

I stumbled upon this combination during my quest for healthier comfort food options. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creamy texture, while ground turkey keeps it lean yet filling. The best part? You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences or whatever you have in the fridge. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This casserole comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients—most of these are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein, complex carbs, and nutrient-dense veggies, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a cozy meal.
• Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a potluck. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned turkey, and gooey cheese is pure perfection.

What sets this casserole apart from the rest is its balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and spices, while the cheese adds a creamy finish. Plus, the recipe is totally adaptable—you can make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or even vegetarian with a few swaps. It’s one of those dishes that feels homemade and special, but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create an irresistible casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sweet Potatoes: Peeled and diced into bite-sized chunks. (Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors beautifully.)
• Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is the star of this dish. You can use ground chicken if preferred.
• Onion: Diced for extra flavor. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Bell Peppers: Diced. Use red, yellow, or orange for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the turkey and veggies. Feel free to use avocado oil as an alternative.
• Spices: Chili powder, paprika, cumin, and salt. These seasonings enhance the flavors and give the dish a slight kick.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella. (For dairy-free, use your favorite plant-based cheese.)
• Chicken Broth: Helps bring everything together and adds moisture to the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish. Optional but adds a fresh touch.

These ingredients are easy to find and flexible. If you’re missing something, don’t worry—there are plenty of substitutions in the variations section below!

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet: For browning the ground turkey and sautéing the veggies.
• Baking Dish: An 8×8 or 9×13 casserole dish works perfectly.
• Mixing Bowls: For tossing the sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices.
• Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for chopping veggies and sweet potatoes.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients.

If you don’t have a casserole dish, you can use a deep oven-safe skillet instead. No need to buy anything new—this recipe is all about keeping things simple.

Preparation Method

Follow these easy steps to make your Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease your casserole dish.
2. Prep the sweet potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly in the casserole dish and roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Cook the turkey: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 3 minutes). Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked (approximately 8 minutes).
4. Add the veggies and spices: Stir in the bell peppers, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the peppers are softened.
5. Combine the ingredients: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven. Add the cooked turkey mixture on top of the sweet potatoes, spreading it evenly. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

You’ll know the casserole is ready when the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the sweet potatoes are tender. It’s comfort food perfection!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the sweet potatoes before combining them with the turkey ensures they’re perfectly tender and caramelized.
• Season generously: Sweet potatoes can handle bold flavors, so don’t hold back on the spices.
• Use fresh garlic: It really enhances the overall flavor compared to garlic powder.
• Watch the cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final bake. You want the cheese melted and bubbly, not burnt.
• Double the batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making extra for busy days.

These tips come from my own trial and error—trust me, they make a difference for flavor and texture!

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground turkey for black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether and sprinkle nutritional yeast on top.
• Seasonal Swap: Replace bell peppers with zucchini or diced carrots for a different flavor profile.

I’ve tried all of these variations at least once, and they’re just as delicious as the original recipe!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This casserole is best served warm, straight out of the oven. Here’s how to make it shine:

• Serving: Pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers taste even better!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on six servings):

• Calories: Approximately 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C, while ground turkey offers a lean source of protein. Plus, the dish is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. It’s a wholesome option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition!

Conclusion

This Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and absolutely delicious. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite.

Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

A hearty, satisfying casserole packed with lean ground turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, and melted cheese—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

• Author: Lucy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized chunks
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease your casserole dish.
2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly in the casserole dish and roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 3 minutes). Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked (approximately 8 minutes).
4. Stir in the bell peppers, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the peppers are softened.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven. Add the cooked turkey mixture on top of the sweet potatoes, spreading it evenly. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
6. Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

[‘Roasting the sweet potatoes ensures they are tender and caramelized.’, ‘Season generously to enhance the flavors.’, ‘Use fresh garlic for better flavor.’, ‘Keep an eye on the cheese during baking to avoid burning.’, ‘This recipe freezes well, so consider doubling the batch.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 320
• Fat: 12
• Carbohydrates: 22
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 25

Keywords: healthy casserole, ground turkey recipe, sweet potato casserole, gluten-free dinner, meal prep recipe