Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole with Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting and wholesome one-dish meal that combines tender sweet potatoes, savory ground turkey, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
• 1¾ cups whole milk (or half & half)
• 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (or dried flakes)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
3. Step 3: Place the sweet potato cubes into a 9×13″ casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Bake the sweet potatoes for 30 minutes, uncovered.
5. Step 5: While the potatoes bake, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Step 6: Once browned, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
7. Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven after 30 minutes. Add the cooked turkey and onion mixture, vegetable broth, milk, and uncooked rice to the dish. Stir everything to combine.
8. Step 8: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
10. Step 10: Let the bake rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper when seasoning the sweet potatoes.
• You can substitute ground chicken or turkey sausage for the ground turkey.
• Use half & half instead of whole milk for a richer, creamier texture.
• Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing the turkey with cooked lentils and using vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato cubes. Thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and baking to avoid excess moisture.

Is it necessary to soak or rinse the rice before baking?

No, in this recipe you add the uncooked rice directly to the casserole. The rice will cook in the liquid from the broth and milk during baking.

Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole with Cheddar Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome and comforting casserole featuring tender baked sweet potatoes, lean ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and creamy basmati rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a nutritious family dinner, this dish balances savory flavors and hints of rosemary for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Mixture

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (1-inch chunks)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed

Turkey Mixture

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (white onion also works)

Additional Ingredients

• 1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
• 1¾ cups whole milk (or half & half)
• 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white rice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (or dried flakes)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes and casserole.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
3. Season and Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato cubes in a 9×13″ casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed rosemary. Toss to coat all pieces evenly.
4. Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes uncovered for 30 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
5. Brown Ground Turkey: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the ground turkey until no longer pink.
6. Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the turkey and sauté for 3–5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
7. Combine Ingredients: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Add the cooked turkey and onion mixture, vegetable broth, whole milk, and uncooked basmati rice. Stir well to combine.
8. Bake Casserole: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquids and cook.
9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
10. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy your meal!

Notes

• For a creamier texture, use half & half instead of whole milk.
• White onion can substitute yellow onion if preferred.
• Ensure sweet potatoes are cut into uniform pieces to guarantee even baking.
• You can substitute basmati rice with long grain white rice if desired.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content if needed.

Keywords: ground turkey, sweet potato, casserole, baked dish, healthy dinner, rosemary, cheddar cheese, basmati rice