Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings together the comforting goodness of sweet potatoes with lean ground turkey and a zesty chipotle honey sauce. It’s a versatile meal that combines savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have a nourishing, balanced meal ready to go for the week ahead.

The richness of the turkey and the earthy sweetness of the potatoes pair perfectly, while the chipotle honey sauce adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Topped with fresh spinach and cheese, this casserole is an explosion of flavors and textures. Whether you’re following a specific dietary plan or just craving a wholesome dinner, this dish has you covered. It’s gluten-free, adaptable for Whole30 with a few simple substitutions, and packed with nutrients that will satisfy your cravings and keep you full.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor – The combination of turkey, sweet potatoes, and chipotle honey sauce makes each bite an explosion of savory, sweet, and smoky notes.
Nutrient-Rich – Sweet potatoes, spinach, and turkey provide essential vitamins, fiber, and lean protein.
Customizable – Add your favorite cheese or toppings, and serve with your choice of rice, tortillas, or cauliflower rice.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious, wholesome meal in no time.
Meal Prep Friendly – This casserole stores and reheats well, making it perfect for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

Olive oil
Ground turkey (93% lean dark meat)
Kosher salt
Granulated garlic powder
Chopped sweet potatoes
Water

To Add at the End:

Baby spinach
Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette (recipe below)
Grated cheese of choice

For the Chipotle Honey Sauce:

Small garlic clove (peeled and finely minced or grated)
Kosher salt
Minced chipotle peppers (from a can of chipotles in adobo)
Honey (omit for Whole30 or low sugar)
Fresh lime juice
Avocado oil
Freshly ground pepper

Optional Serving Suggestions:

Remaining Chipotle Honey Sauce
Sliced avocado
Cilantro
Sour cream
Cooked rice or cauliflower rice
Warm tortillas

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based meat alternative or chickpeas for a protein-packed, vegetarian version.
Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Whole30-Compliant: Skip the honey in the sauce and use cauliflower rice or serve with Whole30-approved tortillas.
Spicy Option: Increase the amount of chipotle peppers or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add ground turkey, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and garlic powder. Cook, breaking the turkey apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes.

Step 2

While the turkey cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in another large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.

Step 3

Add ¼ cup of water to the pan with the sweet potatoes and cover. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 4

Add the cooked turkey to the sweet potatoes. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for another 3–5 minutes.

Step 5

While the turkey and sweet potatoes cook, prepare the chipotle honey sauce: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, avocado oil, and freshly ground pepper. Whisk to combine until smooth.

Step 6

Add the baby spinach to the turkey and sweet potato mixture and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Drizzle the chipotle honey vinaigrette over the mixture, stirring to evenly coat the ingredients.

Step 7

Transfer the turkey and sweet potato mixture to a casserole dish. Top with your choice of grated cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the Turkey Thoroughly: Make sure the ground turkey is fully cooked to avoid any undercooked portions.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in the sauce.
Add Extra Veggies: For a more colorful dish, consider adding bell peppers or zucchini with the sweet potatoes.

How to Serve

Serve the casserole warm, drizzled with extra Chipotle Honey Sauce, and garnished with fresh avocado slices, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. For a more filling meal, pair it with cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) or warm tortillas. You can also serve it as a side dish to grilled meats or a fresh green salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, but sweet potatoes provide a nice sweetness and texture contrast. Regular potatoes will work fine, though they’ll alter the flavor profile slightly.

2. Can I make this dish without the chipotle honey sauce?

You can substitute with a different sauce, such as a plain vinaigrette or barbecue sauce, but the chipotle honey sauce gives it a distinct smoky and sweet flavor.

3. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative, though it might be a bit leaner than turkey.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more chipotle peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to the casserole to increase the heat.

5. Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

6. Is this recipe Whole30-compliant?

You can make it Whole30-compliant by omitting the honey in the sauce and using cauliflower rice or Whole30-approved tortillas.

7. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach will work, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

8. How long does the casserole last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

9. Can I use other cheeses in the casserole?

Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a dairy-free option.

10. How do I make the casserole vegetarian?

Swap the ground turkey for a vegetarian protein option, like lentils or chickpeas, and ensure the sauce is made without honey for a vegan option.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a hearty and nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy. With lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and the bold, smoky flavor of chipotle honey sauce, it’s a dish that is as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a wholesome dinner for the family, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.