Cozy Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Looking for your next weeknight hero? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is exactly what you need. It’s loaded with savory turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies, all brought together under a blanket of gooey cheese. Cooking it is a breeze, and the real magic happens when, once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly—you’ll have a dish that’s not just hearty but downright crave-worthy. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or meal prepping ahead!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table. You don’t need much to create a comforting bake brimming with flavor, color, and irresistible texture.

• Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and wonderfully versatile, ground turkey forms the savory base of this bake.
• Sweet potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes add sweetness and satisfying bulk, not to mention that gorgeous orange hue.
• Zucchinis: These green gems provide moisture, color, and a subtle fresh flavor to complement the other veggies.
• Onion: Aromatic, sweet, and flavorful, diced onion is essential for building a rich savory base.
• Garlic: Just a couple cloves, minced, take the flavors up a notch and add warmth to every bite.
• Smoked paprika: This spice brings a hint of smokiness and rounds out the other flavors beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A pinch of this herby blend ties everything together and gives the dish a Mediterranean touch.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t underestimate these—they’re vital for enhancing every ingredient in the bake.
• Shredded cheese: A cup of cheddar or mozzarella melts into golden, bubbly goodness across the top.
• Olive oil: This keeps everything from sticking and helps sauté your veggies to just the right tenderness.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and gorgeous color before serving.

How to Make Cozy Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set the stage for baking success by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a large baking dish and give it a good grease with olive oil. This little step ensures that when it’s time to, once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, nothing will stick, and cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and your kitchen smells irresistible. This is the savory base that will carry the whole dish!

Step 3: Brown the Turkey

Add your ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown for 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat—this keeps the dish light yet flavorful.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Seasonings

Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and zucchini, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, letting these veggies cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll soften just a bit, soaking up all that flavor, and get ready for their time in the oven.

Step 5: Once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly

When the turkey and veggies look perfectly cooked, here comes the satisfying step: Once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This layer will hold all the flavor and keep the bake wonderfully moist and cohesive as it cooks.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, coating the whole surface. This is what makes that irresistible, gooey topping—your bake will be bubbling with melty flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly, you know it’s ready. Every time you make this, you’ll be tempted to dive right in the moment once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Let the bake rest for a few minutes outside the oven. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve up hearty spoonfuls, and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!

How to Serve Cozy Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Finish the bake with fresh chopped parsley, a dusting of extra smoked paprika, or even sliced green onions. They make the dish feel special and add a burst of color right before serving. Taking a few extra seconds once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly makes every serving feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

If you enjoy a more elaborate meal, pair your bake with crusty bread to soak up all the saucy goodness or a simple green salad for a fresh, crisp contrast. Even roasted broccoli or asparagus are terrific alongside this one-dish wonder, making for a perfectly balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bake family-style right out of the dish, or let guests spoon portions into individual ramekins. Sprinkle on extra cheese before broiling for an even crispier top, or drizzle with a dollop of Greek yogurt or hot sauce. Whichever you choose, the secret is always in that step: Once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for best results!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve feasted and inevitably have some leftovers (lucky you!), let the bake cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days—perfect for easy lunches or a speedy dinner remake. The flavors deepen overnight, so every bite gets even tastier!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on meal prep, simply follow the steps as usual until once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Before adding the cheese and baking, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with cheese, and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven flavor.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the whole dish with foil and place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese topping and bring back that freshly baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef makes a great substitute for turkey. Just follow the same instructions, and your bake will turn out just as hearty and flavorful.

Do I need to cook the sweet potatoes before adding them?

No need! They cook right along with the rest of the ingredients, soaking up all the delicious flavors as they soften in the oven. Just dice them into small, even pieces for the best results.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika or try a pinch of chili powder for a different kick. The smoked variety brings a unique depth, but it’s still delicious without it.

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese, or leave the cheese off entirely. The bake will still be filling and flavorful thanks to the rich veggies and seasonings.

How do I know when the bake is ready?

You’ll know it’s done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Don’t forget, the key step is when once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, ensuring even cooking throughout!

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and that one crucial step—once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly—you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again. Give it a try and make it your own; I can’t wait for you to taste just how satisfying and delicious a weeknight meal can be!

Print