Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is a nutritious, comforting one-dish meal packed with savory ground beef, naturally sweet diced sweet potatoes, aromatic herbs, and melted cheddar cheese. It features a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic combined with tender sweet potatoes and finished with a cheese topping baked to golden perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a balanced and hearty option that offers both protein and fiber in a delicious, family-friendly casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for greasing and cooking)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned throughout. Drain excess fat thoroughly to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Cook until the onions become translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Once evenly mixed, remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine Sweet Potatoes and Beef: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced sweet potatoes. Pour the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, dried thyme, and dried oregano until well combined. This mixture will help set the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg and milk mixture over the sweet potato and beef mixture. Stir gently to ensure even distribution. Transfer everything into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole to create a rich, melted crust during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top turns golden brown and bubbles.
- Garnish and Rest: Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to firm up for easier slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Evenly dice sweet potatoes for uniform cooking and texture.
- Browning the ground beef first enhances flavor and reduces excess fat.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried to elevate the flavor profile.
- Allowing the casserole to rest post-baking helps it firm up and improves slicing.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative or use nutritional yeast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- This dish is easily customizable with different meats, cheeses, or added vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, baked casserole, comforting meal, healthy casserole, family meal
