Description
A flavorful and hearty Sweet Potato Turkey Black Bean Bake featuring roasted sweet potatoes layered with a savory ground turkey and black bean mixture, topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes. This easy-to-make casserole combines wholesome ingredients and bold southwestern flavors, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 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 with 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
- Cilantro, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sliced avocado or guacamole, for serving
- Jalapeño ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes and baking the casserole later.
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer, allowing slight overlapping. Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and cooked through.
- 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 meat with a spatula, until the turkey is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic and simmer: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, drained black beans, and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
- Assemble the bake: Spoon the turkey and bean mixture evenly over the roasted sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with additional cilantro, sliced green onions, and sliced avocado or guacamole. Serve warm with a drizzle of jalapeño ranch dressing on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken based on preference.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your spice tolerance.
- Use Monterey Jack for a milder cheese or cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For added heat, include sliced jalapeños directly in the turkey mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
