Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole – Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe!

If you’re looking for a nourishing and hearty dinner that comes together fast, look no further than this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole. Packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this delicious, comforting, and healthy casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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✅ Healthy and naturally gluten-free
✅ Ready in under 45 minutes
✅ Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly
✅ Easily customizable with your favorite veggies and spices
✅ Perfect for feeding a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean is ideal)
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes for faster cooking)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (plain or seasoned)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, mozzarella or cheddar)
  • Olive oil, for sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

IngredientSubstitutes
Ground turkeyGround chicken, lean beef, tofu
Sweet potatoesButternut squash, regular potatoes
SpinachKale, Swiss chard
CheeseVegan cheese, nutritional yeast
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Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated fat: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg

Note: values may vary slightly depending on cheese and seasoning choices.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things going.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink — about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: Drain off any excess moisture from the turkey to keep the casserole from getting watery.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes & Seasonings

Mix in the diced sweet potatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir everything together so the flavors start to blend.

Step 5: Add Spinach, Tomato Sauce, & Broth

Add the fresh spinach, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir gently until the spinach wilts slightly.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and golden.

Pro Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven so the flavors can meld and it sets up nicely for serving.

Troubleshooting & Tips

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Sweet potatoes still firm after baking? Cut them smaller next time, or parboil for 5 minutes before adding to the skillet.

Casserole too watery? Make sure to drain the turkey well, and don’t overdo the broth.

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Want more flavor? Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicier kick.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad and a simple vinaigrette
  • Pair with whole-grain rolls or crusty bread for scooping
  • Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast
  • Add sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for a Southwest-inspired twist

Storage and Freezing

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months
  • Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through

Variations to Try

  • Southwest Style: swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add black beans and corn
  • Low-Carb: substitute diced cauliflower for sweet potatoes
  • Vegan: replace turkey with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu, skip cheese or use a vegan cheese
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Health Benefits

Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, supporting immunity and digestive health. Ground turkey provides lean, high-quality protein with less saturated fat than ground beef. Combined, they create a balanced, nutrient-dense meal perfect for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

According to nutrition experts, combining colorful vegetables with lean protein helps you feel full and energized without processed ingredients or excessive calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — just confirm your broth and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Freeze after baking, wrapped well, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar adds a sharper bite. Vegan cheese can also work.

Expert Cooking Tips

✅ Cut sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
✅ Drain turkey after browning to avoid sogginess
✅ Taste and adjust seasoning before baking
✅ Let the casserole rest after baking for the best flavor

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients
✔ 1 lb ground turkey
✔ 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
✔ 1 onion, diced
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 bell pepper, diced
✔ 2 cups spinach
✔ 1 cup tomato sauce
✔ ½ cup chicken broth
✔ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✔ ½ tsp paprika
✔ Salt and pepper
✔ 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown turkey in a skillet with olive oil. Drain excess moisture.
  3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes.
  4. Stir in sweet potatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Add spinach, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir until spinach wilts.
  6. Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake 20–25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a wholesome, hearty, and truly satisfying meal, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is your new go-to. With its nourishing ingredients, quick prep, and family-friendly flavors, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram — your feedback inspires even more delicious and healthy recipes for the community.

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