Sweet Potato & Ground Turkey Mexican Casserole

When I first posted this recipe, on my old blog, I was nannying (among other things) and I was lucky enough to cook for one of the families I nannied for. This recipe was adapted from a weekly recipe list the mom in one of the families got. I love Mexican food, at first I was a little skeptical about the sweet potatoes, and the taco casserole in general, however, let me tell you this recipe for Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is not only easy but so tastey!

This recipe is wonderful no matter if you are making it for a group or for one person. It is even great leftover – and is a perfect nutritious easy to pack lunch for work!

Prep Time: About 10-15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

•  Taco Meat

•  Olive Oil (a few table spoons)
• 1 Onion
• 1 Sweet Potato
• 1 lb. Ground Turkey (or beef, I use turkey because it’s healthier)
• 4-6 Cloves of Garlic (I like lots of garlic)
• 2 tsp. Oregano
• 2 tsp. Cumin
• 1/4 c. No salt added tomato paste
• 2 tsp. Paprika
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (Optional, I don’t love it)
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

• Salsa Layer
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) Can of Organic no salt added tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
  • 1-3 Cloves of Garlic (Again, I love garlic)
  • 1/2 -1 C. Fresh chopped cilantro

• Other Layers
  • Corn Tortillas
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) Can of Black Beans
  • 1-4 C. Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (Or whatever you prefer, there are dairy free cheeses out there too!)

• Optional Toppers
  • Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
  • Avacado

Instructions:

1.  Preheat Oven to 425 Degrees.
2. Prepare a baking dish by lightly brushing with Olive Oil (8×8, 9×9 or lasagna pan).
3. Dice Onion and cut sweet potato into small cubes.
   

   Peel potato, slice, and cut into 1/2 inch (ish) cubes.

4. Heat up Olive Oil in a saute pan.
5. Add Sweet Potato and Onion to pan. Heat for 2-3 Minutes until onions become translucent.
6. Add ground turkey, garlic, oregano, cumin, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 7-10 minutes until meat is browned.
7. Set taco meat aside.
8. Chop cilantro.
9. In a separate bowl combine tomatoes, cayenne pepper, garlic, and chopped cilantro.
   

   Mixture of tomatoes, Cayenne, garlic, and fresh cilantro.

10. Set salsa layer aside.
11. Now the fun part creating the casserole.
12. Start by creating a bottom later with your corn tortillas.
    
13. Sprinkle half of the taco meat evenly over tortilla layer.
    
14.  Next evenly distribute half of the salsa over the taco meat.
    
15. After that add half of the can of black beans (undrained) for your next layer.
    
16. Repeat steps 12-15.
17. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
    
18. Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
    
19. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes (I like to save the foil to store it, less waste).
20. Let cool, and enjoy your yummy casserole!