This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of comforting, wholesome dinner I turn to when I need something hearty but healthy.
With layers of roasted sweet potatoes, juicy ground turkey, tender zucchini, and melty Parmesan cheese, it’s a dish that tastes indulgent while being packed with veggies and lean protein.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Balanced and nutrient-packed: protein, veggies, and healthy fats
Super easy prep—just a bit of chopping and browning
Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for dairy-free
Full of flavor from garlic, rosemary, and olive oil
Great for leftovers and meal prepping ahead
Ingredient Highlights
Ground turkey – Lean protein that browns beautifully and stays juicy in the bake
Sweet potatoes – Naturally sweet and filling, they caramelize beautifully in the oven
Zucchini – Mild and tender, adding moisture and freshness
Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty topping that melts into a savory crust
Olive oil – Adds richness and helps everything roast evenly
Garlic powder & rosemary – A simple but perfect seasoning duo
Salt & pepper – Enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they roast evenly
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor
Taste your turkey while browning and adjust seasoning to your liking
Don’t skip the final drizzle of olive oil—it keeps things juicy
This dish reheats beautifully, so double it for leftovers!
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prep your ingredients.
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then toss them in a large baking dish with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Roast until softened and slightly browned.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat olive oil in a skillet.
Add the ground turkey and season with garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Chop the Zucchini
Slice the zucchini into rounds, then quarter them for bite-sized pieces.
Once the sweet potatoes are ready, remove the baking dish from the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked turkey and chopped zucchini to the dish with the roasted sweet potatoes.
Stir everything together and bake for a short time to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Take the dish out of the oven, drizzle with more olive oil, stir gently, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
Return to the oven and bake again until hot, bubbly, and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
It’s perfect warm and makes great leftovers for another meal!
What to Serve It With
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side
Variations & Substitutions
Use ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey
Swap Parmesan with shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese
Add spinach or kale for extra greens
Toss in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat
Storage & Leftovers
To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
To reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and portion into containers for weekday lunches
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the cheese, cover, and refrigerate.
Add the cheese and bake before serving.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
You can substitute with bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.
Is it spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes or cayenne if you want more heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—just leave off the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative.
Can I use pre-cooked sweet potatoes?
Yes, reduce the first roasting time and just warm everything through.
Does this recipe work with ground chicken?
Yes! Ground chicken is a perfect substitute for turkey in this dish.
Can I add eggs to make it breakfast-style?
Definitely! Crack a few eggs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a breakfast casserole twist.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole has become a regular in my kitchen.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good while tasting like comfort food.
With layers of tender roasted veggies, flavorful turkey, and gooey Parmesan, it’s nourishing, cozy, and totally crave-worthy.
Make it once, and you’ll be hooked!
