Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 5 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Turkey Mixture
- 1 lb ground turkey (can substitute ground beef or chicken)
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey jack or cheddar cheese
- Additional cilantro, for garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Jalapeño ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes and baking the assembled casserole.
- Roast the sweet potatoes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss them with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly in the dish, allowing some overlap if necessary. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Cook the turkey mixture. While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spatula, until the meat is fully cooked and vegetables have softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add garlic and simmer. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, black beans, and taco seasoning. Mix to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Assemble the bake. Spoon the turkey, bean, and tomato mixture evenly over the roasted sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey jack or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake. Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and serve. Remove the bake from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole, and drizzle with jalapeño ranch dressing. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or ground chicken for the turkey.
- For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by omitting cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
