Looking for an easy, healthy, gluten-free dinner idea? Try this Italian Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole, made with lean ground turkey and spiralized sweet potato noodles for a satisfying, low-carb twist on a classic baked dish.
Vegetable noodles are one of the simplest ways to add more vegetables to weeknight meals while keeping dishes light and gluten-free. Using a spiralizer transforms sweet potatoes into tender, fork-tender strands that work beautifully in casseroles, layering easily with savory turkey and melted cheese.
This casserole brings together sweet potato “noodles,” Italian-seasoned ground turkey, diced tomatoes, sautéed onion and bell pepper, and a blanket of fresh mozzarella. The result is a family-friendly dinner that’s both comforting and nutrient-dense. It’s easy to prepare, stores well, and adapts to dietary needs with a few simple swaps.
How to make the casserole
Begin by sautéing onion and red bell pepper in olive oil until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Brown ground turkey with Italian seasoning, then stir in drained diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer to deepen the flavors. Meanwhile, prepare the sweet potatoes: peel, trim, and spiralize them into long noodles.
Toss the sweet potato noodles into the skillet with the turkey mixture and cook for a few minutes to combine and slightly soften the strands. Top the mixture with slices of fresh mozzarella, transfer to the oven if your skillet isn’t oven-safe, and bake at 350°F (175°C). Cover for most of the bake time, then uncover for the last minutes so the cheese melts and forms a golden, bubbling layer.
Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. Spiralized sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Keep them dry and use within that window for best texture. If you plan to store them longer, consider blanching briefly before freezing, but note frozen sweet potato noodles may be softer once thawed.
How to make sweet potato noodles without a spiralizer
If you don’t own a spiralizer, a sharp vegetable peeler can create long, thin ribbons of sweet potato. A julienne peeler produces thinner strands similar to spiralized noodles. Alternatively, dice the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes; they’ll work well in this casserole if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Is this casserole gluten-free and dairy-free adaptable?
This casserole is naturally gluten-free when made with the listed ingredients. To make it dairy-free, omit the mozzarella or use a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. If you skip the cheese, keep the dish covered while baking so the sweet potatoes finish cooking without drying out.
More sweet potato recipe ideas
If you enjoy sweet potatoes, try them in Buddha bowls, stuffed with chili, combined with quinoa and black beans, formed into veggie burgers, or blended into a quick, creamy soup. Sweet potatoes are versatile—roast, mash, spiralize, or cube them for endless meal options.
Italian Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 small sweet potatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and the drained diced tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the sweet potatoes: slice the ends off, peel, and spiralize into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons or dice the potatoes into small cubes.
- Add the spiralized sweet potatoes to the skillet and toss with the turkey mixture. Cook for 3–5 minutes to begin softening the sweet potato strands and to combine flavors.
- If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Arrange the sliced fresh mozzarella over the top in an even layer.
- Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let rest a few minutes before serving.