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Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole

A comforting casserole combining seasoned ground turkey and caramelized sweet potatoes, topped with cheddar cheese for a family-friendly meal that warms the soul.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 2.5 tsp rosemary, freshly minced can substitute with thyme or sage
  • 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean recommended
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 14.5 oz vegetable broth look for low-sodium options
  • 2 cups milk dairy or plant-based
  • 1 cup basmati rice rinsed until water runs clear
  • 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded sharp cheddar recommended
  • 2 tsp parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
Roasting Sweet Potatoes
  1. In a large mixing bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and minced rosemary until evenly coated.
  2. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Turkey
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the finely diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Once sweet potatoes are done, lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and combine roasted sweet potatoes, cooked turkey, and onion in a large baking dish.
Creamy Mixture
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, milk, and rinsed basmati rice. Pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes and turkey.
Baking
  1. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Adding Topping
  1. Remove casserole and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
  1. Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Notes

Ensure sweet potatoes are cut to the same size for even cooking. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for a crispy cheese top, but watch closely to prevent burning.