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If you are searching for a hearty and nourishing start to your day, look no further than this delightful Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Combining the savory flavors of seasoned ground turkey with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, this casserole is a comforting, protein-rich dish that wakes up all your senses. The addition of fresh baby spinach brightens the dish both in color and nutrition, while eggs bind everything together into an irresistible morning meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for a busy week, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of tastes and textures that make breakfast feel like a true celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role—bringing flavor, texture, and wholesome nourishment to the table without overwhelming your prep time.
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil plus more for coating the dish: Adds a subtle tropical flavor and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- 1 lb Ground Turkey: A lean, protein-packed base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the lovely spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika: Gives the dish a smoky, warm undertone that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses a gentle garlic essence that enhances every bite.
- 12 large Eggs: The binding agent that brings together all the components into a satisfying, custardy texture.
- 1 small Sweet Potato, peeled and sliced thin: Offers a slightly sweet contrast and a tender bite when baked.
- 1 cup Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh pop of color and a boost of vitamins to brighten every forkful.
How to Make Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 375℉ and generously coating a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with coconut oil. This setup ensures your casserole won’t stick and develops a lovely golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Take your thinly sliced sweet potatoes and neatly arrange them to cover the entire bottom of your prepared dish. This layer will soften beautifully in the oven and acts as a sweet and tender base for the protein topping.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
In a skillet heated with a touch of coconut oil, cook the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Season it evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse that signature flavor. Once browned, spread the turkey evenly over the sweet potato layer for a hearty middle layer.
Step 4: Whisk the Eggs and Season
In a mixing bowl, crack all 12 eggs and whisk them together until smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, along with a touch more paprika and garlic powder for consistency. This egg mixture is the glue that will hold the casserole’s layers in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Assemble and Add the Spinach
Pour the seasoned eggs gently over the turkey layer, allowing the mixture to seep between the gaps and coat everything evenly. Next, sprinkle the fresh baby spinach across the top—this will wilt slightly during baking, keeping your casserole vibrant and packed with goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a firm, golden-browned top and a well-set custard center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, confirming your casserole is perfectly cooked and ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your casserole, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives right before serving. A dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado slices adds creaminess and a cool contrast to the baked layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light side salad or fresh fruit to add brightness. Crisp morning pickles or a tangy tomato salsa can also be fantastic companions for those who love a little zest alongside their savory breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, cut the casserole into individual squares and serve on colorful plates with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of feta cheese. Alternatively, use muffin tins for portioned mini casseroles that make serving effortless and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your remaining Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish tastes even better as the flavors have more time to meld.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil, and it should keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350℉ oven until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of water or a light cover helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean pork can be wonderful alternatives. Just be mindful of their different fat contents and adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid dryness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses coconut oil in place of butter and contains no milk products. You can enjoy it without worrying about lactose.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You sure can! While sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness, regular potatoes will give a more traditional savory flavor and a different texture. Just make sure to slice them thin for even cooking.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Look for a firm, slightly golden top and an egg custard that has set completely. A simple toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean without wet batter.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced zucchini are great options to boost flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them lightly beforehand to remove excess moisture for best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the comfort and balance this Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe brings to the breakfast table. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for lazy weekend mornings or busy weekdays when you want a wholesome meal with minimal fuss. I invite you to try this recipe and watch it become one of your go-to favorites for a warm, satisfying start to your day.
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Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and nutritious Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, spinach, and a flavorful egg mixture baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a wholesome morning meal that balances protein, veggies, and complex carbohydrates.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil plus more for coating 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 (190°C) and grease a 9 x 9 inch baking dish with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Line Sweet Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potato. Lay the slices evenly in a single layer across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating the base layer of the casserole.
- Cook Ground Turkey: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, spread the turkey evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs along with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the seasoned egg mixture evenly over the turkey layer. Then, sprinkle the baby spinach on top to finish assembling the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the casserole is firm to the touch.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your protein-packed breakfast casserole warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adding diced onions or bell peppers to the ground turkey while cooking can increase flavor and vegetable content.
- If you like a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the egg mixture before whisking.
- Ensure sweet potato slices are thin for even cooking and to prevent undercooked spots.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American