I absolutely love this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of hearty and healthy, all baked into one cozy dish. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the sweet potatoes add a naturally sweet bite that pairs beautifully with the savory, spiced ground turkey. It’s a breakfast game changer, especially if you need a make-ahead dish for busy mornings or a weekend brunch that feels a little special.
You’ll find that this casserole is incredibly versatile—whether you want a protein-packed breakfast that keeps you energized or a comforting meal that’s easy to portion out for the week. Plus, the addition of spinach adds that fresh touch without overpowering the flavors, and it sneaks in some greens for extra nutrition. Trust me, once you try this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious & Balanced: Combines lean protein, complex carbs, and veggies for a well-rounded meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance for busy mornings during the week.
- Flavorful & Comforting: The spices and texture blend create a satisfying dish that my family craves.
- Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work so well together because they balance flavor, texture, and nutrition. When shopping, look for fresh, firm sweet potatoes and quality ground turkey for the best results.
- Coconut Oil: Great for browning the turkey and greasing your baking dish with a subtle flavor.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and packed with protein, it cooks quickly and soaks up spices beautifully.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth that makes the dish extra savory.
- Garlic Powder: A handy pantry staple that boosts flavor without overpowering.
- Eggs: These create the binding custard that holds the casserole together.
- Sweet Potato: Thin slices soften perfectly in the oven, giving a delicate sweetness to every bite.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh and tender, it adds a vibrant pop of color and nutrition.
Variations
I love to tweak this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and textures to suit your cravings or dietary needs—you really can’t go wrong!
- Swapping Meats: I’ve made this with ground chicken and even breakfast sausage—it all works wonderfully and changes the flavor profile.
- Cheese Addition: Sometimes, I sprinkle shredded cheddar or feta on top for an extra layer of richness that my family adores.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the spinach to pack in more veggies.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes gives it a nice kick if you enjoy a little heat in the morning.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use coconut oil to grease a 9×9 inch baking dish thoroughly; this really helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. I usually use a piece of paper towel to spread the oil evenly so no spots are missed.
Step 2: Layer the Thinly Sliced Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potato and slice it thinly—about 1/4 inch slices work best to ensure they cook through evenly. Arrange the slices in an even layer on the bottom of your greased dish, overlapping slightly if needed to create a nice base. This step is key because undercooked sweet potato can be disappointing, so keep your slices consistent for perfect tenderness.
Step 3: Cook and Season the Ground Turkey
Melt a tablespoon of coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground turkey, season generously with paprika and garlic powder, and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until nicely browned but not dry. Drain excess fat to keep it from getting greasy, then sprinkle the cooked turkey evenly over your sweet potato layer.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture and Pour
In a medium bowl, whisk 12 large eggs until fully combined. Add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste—seasonings here really make the flavors pop! Pour this custard-like mixture evenly over the ground turkey and sweet potatoes, which helps bind everything together when baked.
Step 5: Bake and Add Spinach at the Right Time
Bake your casserole uncovered for 30 minutes. Then, carefully slide the dish out—don’t take it out of the oven completely! Sprinkle fresh baby spinach over the top evenly, and return it to the oven to bake another 5-15 minutes, or until the center is set and firm. Sometimes I tent the dish with foil if the top browns too fast; it keeps the casserole moist and beautifully even.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve Warm
After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes—it helps it set up a bit for cleaner slices. Serve it warm and enjoy the satisfying flavors and textures you’ve created. This is one breakfast that feels gourmet but comes together so quickly!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Even Sweet Potato Slices: Using a mandoline slicer helps you get uniform slices that cook evenly every time.
- Drain the Turkey Well: Excess fat can make the casserole soggy, so I always drain the turkey before layering.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole near the end—it’s done when the eggs are just set but still moist.
- Spinach Timing: Adding spinach late in baking prevents it from getting slimy and keeps it bright and fresh.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and fresh flavor. Sometimes a dollop of Greek yogurt or salsa adds a nice tangy contrast when I want a little something extra.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs nicely with a simple side of fresh fruit or crispy morning bacon. I also love serving it with whole grain toast or avocado slices to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I like to bake it in individual silicone muffin tins—makes for cute single servings that everyone can grab easily. Decorating each portion with a small basil leaf or drizzle of hot sauce adds a fun, inviting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. It’s so convenient for whipping up a quick breakfast during busy weeks.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing this casserole in individual portions—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or oven, and you’ll have a ready-to-go breakfast any day of the week.
Reheating
To keep leftovers moist and tasty, I recommend reheating gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave with a damp paper towel cover. This helps prevent drying out, and you’ll almost taste like it’s freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I use other ground meats in the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or pork sausage all work really well and bring different flavors to the dish. Just adjust cooking times if necessary and season accordingly.
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How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as is, but if you decide to add cheese or other toppings, just skip them or use dairy-free alternatives to keep it safe for dairy-free diets.
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What’s the best way to prevent the sweet potatoes from being undercooked?
Slicing the sweet potato thinly and evenly is key. Using about 1/4-inch slices ensures they cook through properly during baking without becoming mushy or crunchy.
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Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and bake it the next morning—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both nourishing and comforting—two qualities I always look for in a go-to breakfast. I love how forgiving it is and how easy it is to switch up based on what I have around. You should definitely give it a try; once you do, it might just become your new favorite way to start the day!
Print
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and nutritious start to your day, combining lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach baked in a fluffy egg mixture. Perfect for meal prep or a weekend brunch, this recipe offers a delicious and protein-packed way to enjoy a wholesome breakfast.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 12 large Eggs
- 1 small Sweet Potato, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/4-inch slices)
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with coconut oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking.
- Layer Sweet Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potato into 1/4-inch slices. Arrange these slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping slightly if needed, to create a uniform layer.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with paprika and garlic powder. Break apart the meat with a spatula and cook for about 3-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat and spread the cooked turkey evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture evenly over the ground turkey layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the dish from the oven to sprinkle fresh spinach evenly over the top, then return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes until the center is set and firm.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm. Optionally cover with foil during baking to prevent over-browning.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground meats like pork sausage, chicken, or beef for added variety and flavor.
- For individual servings, use a silicone muffin tin; these can be frozen for quick meals.
- Convert this casserole into a quiche by adding a homemade or store-bought crust before baking.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning and allow for longer baking without over-browning.
- Check the center after 35 minutes and add additional time as needed to ensure even cooking.
