Go Back

Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

A comforting blend of ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes Aim for firm, fresh sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best texture.
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin is always a great choice!
  • 0.75 tsp salt Use sea salt for better flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground pepper elevates the flavor profile.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Alternatively, fresh minced garlic works wonderfully!
  • 2.5 tsp rosemary, freshly minced Fresh herbs will impart more flavor than dried.
  • 1 lb ground turkey Choose lean turkey for a healthier option without losing flavor.
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced For sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 14.5 oz vegetable broth Low-sodium is a great option to regulate salt levels.
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk for creaminess, but feel free to use skim or a non-dairy alternative.
  • 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed Basmati adds a lovely fragrance; regular white rice can be substituted.
  • 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Sharp cheddar adds depth, but feel free to mix it up!
  • 2 tsp parsley, chopped Fresh parsley for garnish.
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika For a touch of smokiness that adds complexity.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a large baking dish, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh rosemary until evenly coated.
  3. Roast for 30 minutes, or until fork-tender and golden brown.
  4. While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground turkey. Cook until browned (about 8-10 minutes).
  5. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  6. Combine the turkey and onion with the roasted sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
  7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, milk, and rinsed rice until combined. Pour this mixture over the potato and turkey blend in the dish.
Baking
  1. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  4. Just before serving, top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. It lasts for about 3-4 days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a crispy top, broil for a minute before serving!