Hearty Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty sweet potato ground beef casserole that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Rich, savory layers of seasoned ground beef meld perfectly with creamy sweet potato goodness.

Families adore this one-pan meal that combines classic flavors in every delectable bite.

Protein-packed and loaded with nutrients, the casserole offers a balanced dinner solution for busy nights.

Tender sweet potatoes create a luscious topping that complements the robust meat beneath.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and seasonings that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole – Allure and Flavor

• This casserole combines protein and vegetables in one dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making meal planning a breeze.
• Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef or add different cheese varieties to match your family's taste preferences.
• Sweet potatoes provide rich vitamins and minerals, while lean ground beef delivers high-quality protein for a balanced, satisfying meal.
• Kids and adults will love the cheesy top and hearty combination of tender beef, soft sweet potatoes, and creamy texture that makes this dish universally appealing.

Ingredient Rundown for Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide a creamy base and natural sweetness to the casserole.
• Ground Beef: Protein-packed meat that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Rice: Staple grain that helps bind the casserole and adds extra texture.

• Broth, Heavy Cream, Cheese: Creamy ingredients that enhance moisture and add depth to the casserole's overall flavor profile.

• Oil, Onions, Parsley, Seasonings: Flavor-enhancing ingredients that provide aromatic depth and complete the dish's taste profile.

Essential Tools for Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

• Large Casserole Dish: Essential for roasting potatoes and final baking, with deep sides for easy mixing.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for dicing sweet potatoes into even, uniform cubes.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef and sautéing onions with good heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese topping.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring broth and cream.

Crafting Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Sweet Potatoes

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab your sweet potatoes and slice them into even, bite-sized cubes.

Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with a blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Toss everything in a large casserole dish to ensure each potato piece gets coated with flavor.

Step 2: Roast Sweet Potato Cubes

Slide the casserole dish into the preheated oven.

Let the sweet potatoes roast and caramelize for 30 minutes, developing a golden exterior and tender interior.

They’ll start to smell incredibly aromatic and look slightly crispy around the edges.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drop in the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color and releases its juices.

Add finely chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet, savory aroma.

Step 4: Create Creamy Beef Mixture

Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the beef.

Stir in cooked rice, creating a rich and creamy mixture.

Pour this delectable combination over the roasted sweet potatoes in the casserole dish.

Cover the dish with foil and return to the oven for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Top Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole Tips

• Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even roasting and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Choose a melting cheese like cheddar or monterey jack that complements the sweet potato's natural sweetness and adds creamy richness.
• Add minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for an extra layer of savory complexity.
• If the casserole seems too dry, splash in a bit more broth before the final baking stage to keep the dish juicy and tender.

Different Styles for Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with lentils or black beans, using same seasonings for protein-packed alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini, maintaining similar roasting technique and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream, substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add feta cheese, oregano, and replace rice with quinoa for a Greek-inspired transformation of the original casserole.

Serving Up Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

• Hearty Family Dinner: Serve this casserole as a complete meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, offering a balanced plate with protein and vegetables.
• Potluck Party Sensation: Bring this dish to gatherings where comfort food is welcomed, ensuring it travels well and stays warm in a covered dish.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into individual containers for easy lunch options during the work week, maintaining delicious flavor and nutritional value when reheated.
• Protein-Packed Side Dish: Pair with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded dinner that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Storage Strategies for Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and has a secure lid to maintain freshness.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Do I need any special kitchen tools for this recipe?

You’ll need a casserole dish, skillet, and basic cutting tools. A sharp knife for dicing potatoes and a large skillet for browning meat are essential.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Choose less expensive cuts of ground beef, buy sweet potatoes when they’re in season, and use any leftover cheese you have in your refrigerator to reduce overall cost.

Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sweet potato ground beef casserole merges comforting flavors from Mexico and the American Southwest. Layers of spiced meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 1/3 cups instant rice
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 14.5 ounces (430 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 2 teaspoons parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a casserole dish with diced sweet potatoes, coating them evenly with oil and selected seasonings.
2. Roast sweet potatoes for 30 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
3. In a skillet, thoroughly brown ground beef over medium-high heat, then incorporate diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft.
4. Create a unified mixture by combining beef, sautéed onions, chicken broth, cream, and cooked rice directly into the roasted sweet potato dish.
5. Cover the casserole and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through completely.
6. Uncover the casserole, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden.
7. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes to stabilize the consistency and enhance flavor absorption.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the hearty dish.

Notes

• Choose sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
• For a leaner option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes to suit your taste preferences.
• Meal prep friendly: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg