Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. It’s gluten-free, packed with protein, and easy to customize. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground turkey
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2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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2 tbsp olive oil
directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash lightly.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
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Add ground turkey, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until turkey is browned and cooked through.
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Mix turkey mixture with mashed sweet potatoes and half the cheddar cheese.
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Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and casserole is heated through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef.
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Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
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Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
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Use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
FAQs
What kind of sweet potatoes work best for this recipe?
Any orange-fleshed variety like Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes will work well due to their creamy texture and sweetness.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble the casserole and freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely. Just chop or shred the cooked turkey and skip the browning step. Mix it in with the other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether. The dish will still be flavorful.
What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?
Spinach, kale, or zucchini are great additions. Sauté them with the onion and bell pepper.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged items like cheese for added starches.
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, though the flavor profile will change. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes can be used for a more neutral base.
How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts make great companions for this hearty dish.
Conclusion
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Its balance of lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and creamy sweet potatoes makes it a winning recipe for any night of the week.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole: Easy & Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a satisfying, nutrient-rich dish that combines seasoned turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash lightly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Add ground turkey, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until turkey is browned and cooked through.
- Mix turkey mixture with mashed sweet potatoes and half the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and casserole is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
This recipe is freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking, then thaw and bake when ready.
Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based cheese alternative or skipping the cheese.
Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg