Go Back
The Herbed Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines the lean protein of turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, all enveloped in a melty, cheesy topping. This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for families or gatherings. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the ingredients, preparation methods, and the reasons why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.

Herbed Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

Discover the delightful Herbed Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole, a comforting dish that's perfect for family meals or gatherings. This nourishing casserole combines lean turkey with sweet potatoes and fresh spinach, topped with melty cheese for a satisfying finish. With wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy a balance of delicious flavors and essential nutrients that will warm both hearts and appetites.

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup shredded cheese (choose either cheddar or mozzarella)

1/2 cup milk (use either dairy or a non-dairy alternative)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until they become fragrant and translucent.

      Brown the Turkey: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through.

        Season the Mixture: Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the turkey with the seasoning.

          Incorporate Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to begin to soften.

            Add Broth and Spinach: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the chopped spinach. Mix well, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are slightly tender but not fully cooked.

              Mix in Milk: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the milk until everything is well combined and creamy.

                Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Pour the turkey and sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

                  Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

                    Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the sweet potatoes are tender throughout.

                      Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!

                        Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 servings