INTRODUCTION

Sweet potato ground beef casserole is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. This recipe combines the sweet, earthy flavors of sweet potatoes with seasoned ground beef and creamy ingredients, all baked together to create a delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something easy to prepare but still packed with flavor.

In this article, we will explore why you will love this recipe, how to make it, the equipment you need, and some helpful tips for serving and storing your casserole.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This sweet potato ground beef casserole is special for many reasons. First, it is a complete meal in one dish. You have your protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all together. This makes for easy cooking and clean-up.

Second, the flavors meld beautifully. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes compliments the savory ground beef and spices. The creamy texture makes each bite satisfying.

Plus, it is a versatile dish. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. It can also please different taste buds—from kids to adults. Finally, it can make great leftovers, which means you can enjoy it for days after making it.

HOW TO MAKE Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

Making this casserole is straightforward. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready for your family or friends.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this sweet potato ground beef casserole, you will need the following equipment:

Baking casserole dish
Skillet
Knife and cutting board
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
14.5 oz vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/3 cups instant rice
2 cups shredded cheddar
2 teaspoons parsley

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Dice the sweet potatoes into small pieces. In a large casserole dish, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. Make sure all potatoes are coated evenly.
Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for about 30 minutes. You want them tender and slightly caramelized.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until it starts to brown. Stir occasionally to break up the meat.
Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes soft, about 5 minutes.
In the skillet, pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir in the instant rice and cooked beef mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
After the sweet potatoes are finished roasting, pour the beef and rice mixture over the sweet potatoes in the casserole dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, take the casserole out and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Before serving, you can garnish it with chopped parsley for an extra touch.

HOW TO SERVE Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

When serving sweet potato ground beef casserole, you can present it straight from the oven or dish it out onto individual plates. This casserole can be enjoyed as is or with a simple side salad for extra freshness.

If you like, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top for extra flavor.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

Storing your casserole is easy. If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you’d like to freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container. Sweet potato ground beef casserole can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are a few tasty side dishes to serve with your sweet potato ground beef casserole:

A fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
Steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrients.
Crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might consider:

Try Different Proteins: Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
Add Vegetables: Toss in other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.
Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but the flavor and texture will be different. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that complements the dish.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you are ready to eat.

3. How do I ensure the casserole doesn’t dry out?
Make sure to keep the casserole covered while baking initially. Adding cream and broth also helps keep it moist.

4. Can I add cheese to the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, you can mix some cheese into the casserole before baking if you love cheesy dishes! Just remember to also add some on top.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole

To simplify your cooking process, try these make-ahead tips:

Chop Ingredients in Advance: You can dice the sweet potatoes and onions the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Cook the Beef Ahead: Brown the ground beef and onions earlier in the day or the night before. Just reheat them when you are ready to assemble the casserole.
Pre-Mix the Casserole: You can combine the sweet potatoes and beef mixture, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh when you are ready to serve.

With these tips and steps, your sweet potato ground beef casserole will be easy to make and delicious to eat. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful dish!