Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Ground Beef

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This hearty and flavorful sweet potato casserole with ground beef is an easy, all-in-one dinner that will quickly become a family favorite. Ground beef is simmered in a rich tomato sauce and then combined with potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs for a truly comforting meal. With just the right amount of sweetness from the potatoes, this dish is perfect for any night of the week.

What I Love About this Recipe

This sweet potato casserole is so simple to make and requires few ingredients. Plus, it comes together quickly and can be served in as little as 30 minutes. The ground beef adds a hint of smokiness that compliments the sweetness of the potatoes.

This sweet potato casserole recipe is also great for meal prepping – just store it in an airtight container and it will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Sweet Potato Vs Kumara

Sweet potato and kumara are the same thing. The difference is just in the name. Sweet potato is the name used in North America, while kumara is the Maori word for sweet potato and is more commonly used in New Zealand. Both work perfectly for this recipe!

Suggested Toppings

This sweet potato casserole can be topped with a variety of options to make it extra special

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Cooking Times

Servings: 4-6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes total

Down time: 5 minutes

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

Here is a list of ingredients needed for this sweet potato casserole recipe:

• Sweet Potatoes: The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a hearty texture to the casserole, making it a delicious and nutritious base for the dish.
• Ground Beef: Ground beef brings a rich and savory flavor to the casserole, complementing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and creating a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
• Yellow Onion: The diced yellow onion adds a pleasant aroma and a subtle sweetness to the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: The salt helps to season the casserole and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish.
• Ground Black Pepper: The ground black pepper adds mild spiciness and depth to the casserole, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Smoked Paprika: The smoked paprika contributes a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, providing a unique twist to the traditional sweet potato casserole.
• Garlic Powder: The garlic powder infuses the casserole with a delightful garlic aroma and taste, enhancing the overall savory profile.
• Beef Broth: The beef broth serves as a flavorful liquid to keep the casserole moist and helps to meld the different ingredients together.
• Diced Tomatoes: The canned diced tomatoes add tanginess and additional depth to the casserole, balancing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and ground beef.
• Cheddar Cheese: The shredded cheddar cheese creates a creamy and cheesy layer, adding richness and indulgence to the casserole when baked.
• Bacon: The cooked and chopped bacon adds a smoky and crispy texture, giving the casserole a delightful contrast and adding extra flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: The chopped fresh parsley serves as a vibrant garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the final dish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Here is a step-by-step guide for making this simple sweet potato recipe:

Step One: Turn On Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Step Two: Prepare Bacon

Chop the bacon into 1 inch pieces, and cook over medium heat until done. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

While the bacon is cooking, brown the ground beef, and drain the grease.

Step Three: Peel And Dice Kumara

While everything is cooking, peel and dice the sweet potatoes / kumara into ½-1 inch pieces. Next dice the onion.

Step Four: Saute Mince Beef

Once the beef is cooked through, add diced onions and seasonings to the meat, and saute for 5 minutes.

Step Five: Prepare Casserole Dish

Add sweet potato to a 9×13″ casserole dish, then sprinkle meat mixture and diced tomatoes over it.

Step Six: Add Broth, Cheese And Bacon

Pour in the beef broth, then top with cheese and bacon pieces.

Step Seven: Bake Prepared Casserole Dish

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Step Eight: Cool And Serve

Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Allow the casserole to set for 5 minutes before serving.

Sweet Potatoes: Boil vs Bake

If you’re short on time, you can always boil the sweet potatoes instead of baking them. Just boil for 7-10 minutes in salted water, then strain the boiled sweet potatoes and add to the casserole dish as directed in the recipe.

Baking is preferred, however, as it helps to caramelize the sweetness of the potatoes and brings out the best sweet potato mixture.

Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes in this recipe. Just drain the liquid, then follow the instructions as directed in the recipe for baking. If you are short on time to prepare sweet potatoes then canned ones can come in handy.

Topping Options

If you’re looking to switch up this casserole, here are a few topping options:

• Sliced almonds or chopped pecans – add a nutty crunch to the top of your sweet potato casserole.
• Dried cranberries or raisins – adds a burst of fruity sweetness and texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs and dark brown sugar – adds a crunchy, golden brown topping with a hint of sweetness.
• Mini marshmallows – give the casserole an indulgent and unique flair.

No matter what toppings you choose, this sweet potato casserole is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!

Storage and Reheating

For best results, and to ensure your sweet potato casserole remains perfectly creamy and flavorful when reheated, it’s important to store it correctly.

Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store sweet potato casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze sweet potato casserole for up to 3 months, place in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer.

When ready to reheat sweet potato casserole you can either microwave the casserole or place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Add some melted butter and enjoy!

Variations

This sweet potato casserole is incredibly versatile – you can switch up the ingredients to create your own unique version of this classic dish.

Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, corn kernels, cauliflower, or broccoli for added color and crunch.

You can also swap the beef broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly. And if you’re looking for a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos or chili powder into the mix!

No matter how you dress it up, this sweet potato casserole with ground beef is sure to become a family favorite.

With its satisfying texture and delicious flavors, it’s sure to bring warmth and comfort to any dinner table. It’s also a great dish for thanksgiving dinner!

Make Ahead Information

Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time.

Simply prepare the recipe as instructed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the casserole dish with parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven, uncover the dish and bake until potatoes are tender.

You may need to add 5-10 minutes of extra baking time. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• To reduce the cooking time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef, or pre-diced sweet potatoes.
• If desired, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe.
• For a vegan-friendly version, use crumbled tofu or cooked beans instead of ground beef and omit the cheese.
• For even more flavor, try adding other herbs and spices such as dried oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes to your casserole.
• If you do not have a 9×13″ baking dish, you can use an 8×8″ dish and adjust the baking time accordingly – start by testing it after 30 minutes to see if the potatoes are tender.
• To make it even more nutritious, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach or mushrooms to your casserole.
• If you’re serving a larger crowd, double all of the ingredients and use a 9×13″ baking dish.
• To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

FAQ: Can I Use Yams Instead of Sweet Potatoes in This Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute yams for cooked sweet potatoes in this casserole. However, the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly as yams have a slightly firmer texture than sweet potatoes.

Start by testing the casserole after 35 minutes of baking and continue baking until tender. Enjoy!

Can I Freeze Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze sweet potatoes for up to 6 months. To freeze, peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes or slices, then store them in a tightly sealed container or bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight before adding them to your casserole dish. Enjoy!

Can I Use Mashed Sweet Potatoes In This Recipe?

Yes, you can use mashed sweet potatoes or sweet potato filling in this recipe instead of cubed or diced sweet potatoes. However, the baking time may need to be adjusted.

Start by testing the casserole after 30 minutes and continue baking until tender. Simply use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes before adding them to the casserole dish

Enjoy Your Sweet Potato Casserole

Simple sweet Potato Casserole with ground beef is a delicious twist on classic comfort food. Enjoy this fantastic recipe and let me know what you think.

More Tasty Recipes

Looking for more tasty recipes? Check out these other amazing dishes:

• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – a delicious twist on classic macaroni and cheese.
• Shepherd’s Pie – an irresistible classic featuring ground beef, mashed potatoes and plenty of vegetables.
• Stuffed Peppers – colorful bell peppers filled with rice, ground beef and cheese.
• Jalapeno Cornbread – a delicious and slightly spicy cornbread recipe.
• Taco Soup – a hearty and flavorful soup filled with chicken, beans and vegetables.

No matter which recipe you choose, these mouth-watering dishes are sure to please the entire family. Enjoy!