This recipe is ideal for multi-taskers. One or two things can be on the stove while yet another is being prepped. There is no problem with doing the steps one at a time, but it will take you longer. So let me walk you through the process to get dinner on the table sooner.
Start with lightly cooking the meat. I usually use lean ground turkey, but beef would also work just as well. Stir in a little taco seasoning and diced tomatoes, then remove the meat to a plate and set aside. While the meat is cooking, you can prepare and chop the veggies. (If you do not want a really spicy casserole, I suggest removing the jalapeno seeds.)
The jalapenos are then sautéed on the stove with bell peppers, onions, and garlic. This step should take 8-10 minutes, so it is the perfect time to grate the sweet potatoes – and also preheat the oven. You can grate the sweet potatoes by hand or use the shredder disk attachment on the food processor. Once the potatoes are shredded, toss with melted coconut oil and some chili powder for added flavor.
By this time the veggies should be done cooking and the casserole is ready to be assembled. Stir the meat mixture back into the pan with the veggies and add some fresh spinach. Transfer all of that bulk into a large baking dish, and then top with the sweet potatoes. I suggest covering the pan with foil so that the potatoes cook properly. Bake for 20 minutes and then remove the foil. Turn the oven to broil so that the sweet potatoes can brown and crisp up a bit. Then the casserole is ready for the table.
We had leftovers for days because this made so much food – not saying that was a bad thing!). And there are many different garnishes that go great with this casserole. Simple ketchup, hot sauce, avocados, green onions, or salsa verde (as shown in the photo) are all suitable toppings for this deliciously spicy casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey
- 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
- 2-3 tbsp taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 large sweet potatoes, shredded
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Directions
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey. Cook until browned, and then stir in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, then remove to a plate and set aside. Discard any fat from the pan.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet and add the bell peppers, jalapenos, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until soft.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and toss with the melted coconut oil. Sprinkle with chili powder and toss to coat.
- Add the meat mixture back into the pan with the veggies. Mix in the spinach and stir to combine. Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 5-10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are slightly browned. Top with cilantro to serve.
There shouldn’t be a reason I couldn’t assemble this the night before to bake the next evening, is there?
I assembled mine 2 nights before and it came out perfect when I baked.
I think that it would be fine to make this ahead of time! Let us know how it turns out!
Is the sweet potato a strong flavor? My husband isn’t a sweet potato fan so trying to figure out if I can get away with this dish. Looks yummy 🙂
I did not find the sweet potato to be a strong flavor. I think it’s because they are shredded. I’m looking for a stronger flavor actually, so I will cook and mash them next time and bake it like shepherd’s pie. But this recipe should work for your hubby. I bet he won’t even realize they are sweet pot. if you don’t mention it. Because they are shredded they tend to cook down a bit when baked.
Thanks for your helpful comments Karen!
Personally I think that the other flavors in this dish are more prevalent than the sweet potato flavor, especially if you top it with salsa verde.
Where can I find the salsa verde recipe?
Hi Mendy, I don’t have a specific salsa verde recipe on PaleoGrubs, but will add it my list for future recipe posts. It’s usually made from tomatillos and peppers, or can be bought at the grocery store.
Do you think it would work with frozen spinach?
we loved this tasty recipe! My husband went back for seconds and he isn’t a big fan of sweet potatoes. Very easy to prepare. I did have to bake mine a bit longer than the directions listed to get the desired level of doneness on the potatoes.
Can I just slow cool this instead of baking it?