If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and nourishing start to your morning, the Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together the savory richness of ground turkey with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, all bound together by fluffy, seasoned eggs and a fresh pop of spinach. With an ideal balance of protein and vegetables, this casserole is not only delicious but also a colorful, comforting centerpiece for breakfast or brunch that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every component builds layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this dish irresistibly satisfying.
- Coconut Oil: This adds a hint of tropical aroma and ensures perfectly non-stick cooking and baking.
- Ground Turkey: A lean protein base that stays juicy and flavorful when browned with spices.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a rich depth to the eggs and meat without overpowering the dish.
- Large Eggs: The binding agent that creates a luscious, fluffy texture to hold everything together.
- Sweet Potato: Thin slices provide natural sweetness and a tender bite that contrasts with the savory turkey.
- Baby Spinach: A fresh, leafy green that brightens the casserole with color and mild earthiness.
How to Make Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then generously grease a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with coconut oil. This step is key—coating the dish well prevents sticking and helps the casserole develop a golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potato and slice it thinly, almost like rounds. These slices will line the bottom of your baking dish, forming a sweet, tender base layer that roasts beautifully and adds a gorgeous orange hue.
Step 3: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange the thin sweet potato slices evenly across the bottom of the oiled baking dish. This layer absorbs juices during baking and creates a stunning visual and textural foundation for the casserole.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Turkey
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat and add the ground turkey. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper as it cooks. Stir and break up the meat until it’s fully browned and fragrant. This well-seasoned turkey layer adds a robust meaty flavor that balances the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Meat Layer
Once cooked, evenly spread the seasoned turkey atop the sweet potato layer in your casserole dish, creating a hearty second layer. This step is where the savory magic really starts to come together.
Step 6: Whisk and Pour the Eggs
Beat 12 large eggs with a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and pale. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the turkey layer—these eggs will hold the casserole’s components together and puff up to a perfect, custardy texture while baking.
Step 7: Add the Spinach and Bake
Scatter the baby spinach leaves over the top to bring freshness and a beautiful burst of green color. Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the eggs are set, the edges are golden, and it’s firm to the touch.
How to Serve Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving adds a wonderful bright note that enhances the earthy flavors of the dish. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the casserole with tangy creaminess or a spicy kick, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a simple mixed greens salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or seasonal fruit for a hint of natural sweetness. Alternatively, some crusty whole-grain toast complements the egg and sweet potato layers perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch that everyone will appreciate. You can also dress up the look by layering the casserole in clear glass baking dishes to showcase the colorful strata of sweet potatoes, turkey, eggs, and spinach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This casserole holds moisture well, so it remains flavorful and tender when stored properly.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick breakfast fix or warm the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and softened again.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used as a substitute and will provide a similar mild flavor, although turkey tends to be slightly leaner and may give a slightly different texture.
Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
Peeling the sweet potato is recommended for smoother texture and ease of slicing, but if you prefer the added fiber and a bit of earthiness, you can leave the skin on. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground turkey for crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils and adjust seasonings accordingly for a delicious vegetarian version that keeps the spirit of the dish alive.
How spicy is the casserole?
The dish is gently seasoned with paprika and garlic powder, giving it a subtle warmth and smokiness without any real heat. You can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer some spice.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the oven to bake fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe that the Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless dishes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and so deeply satisfying in both flavor and texture. Give it a try at your next breakfast or brunch—you might just discover your new favorite way to start the day.
Print
Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and nutritious start to your day, featuring layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, and fresh baby spinach, all bound together with savory spiced eggs. Baked to perfection, it offers a delicious and protein-packed breakfast option that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil, plus more for greasing the dish
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 12 large Eggs
- 1 small Sweet Potato, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish generously with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potato. Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish evenly with the sweet potato slices to create the base layer for the casserole.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Spread the cooked turkey evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the turkey layer in the baking dish. Then, scatter the baby spinach evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is firm to the touch. The casserole should have a slight golden color on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean pork if desired.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the ground turkey while cooking.
- The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
- To make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure that all seasoning powders are certified gluten-free.
