If you’re craving a dish that’s warm, wholesome, and bursting with comforting flavors, this Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is sure to win your heart. It combines tender, slightly sweet chunks of sweet potato with perfectly seasoned ground beef, all topped off with melty, golden cheese. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrition and vibrant colors that make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is a total winner that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a mixed layer of cubed orange sweet potatoes, cooked brown ground meat, and cooked dark green spinach, all evenly spread across the dish. On top of this colorful base, there is a scattered layer of shredded light yellow cheese, covering much of the vegetables and meat underneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is how straightforward and simple the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role in building a dish that’s full of flavor, satisfying texture, and beautiful vibrant color that brightens your dinner plate.

1 Tbsp avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil that adds a subtle, mild flavor while preventing sticking during sautéing.
1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped: Offers a mild sweetness and depth to the savory base of the casserole.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor to complement the beef.
1 pound ground beef: The protein powerhouse of this dish, giving it richness and substance.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate and harmonize all the savory flavors.
1 medium-sized vine-ripened tomato, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, juicy contrast and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
¾ tsp sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy kick that rounds out the seasoning.
2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, chopped: The star vegetable that brings vibrant orange color and natural sweetness.
5 ounces baby spinach: A quick-cooking green that sneaks in extra nutrients without overpowering the dish.
1.5 to 2 cups grated cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible golden crust—cheddar, mozzarella, or jack all work wonderfully!

How to Make Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Begin by heating your avocado oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté it until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Adding the minced garlic next, give it a quick stir to release its delicious aroma before introducing the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into bite-sized pieces and cook until it starts to brown, soaking in all those lovely caramelized flavors.

Step 2: Season and Add Sweet Potatoes

Now it’s time to add the Italian seasoning, optional chopped tomato, and the star of the dish—sweet potatoes. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, stir everything well, and cover the pot. Let the mixture cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sweet potatoes start to soften but still hold their shape. This gentle simmer helps all the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Toss the baby spinach into the pot, cover again, and let it cook just a couple of minutes until the greens wilt into the hearty mixture. Spinach adds that lovely burst of green color and vital nutrients without overwhelming the other flavors.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Transfer your fragrant, colorful mixture into a large casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Generously sprinkle the grated cheese on top—this will form the delicious, bubbly, golden crust everyone loves. Pop the casserole into a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven and bake on the center rack for 15 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it and pull it out when the cheese reaches your preferred level of golden and melty perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up hearty scoops of this Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe into big bowls. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving. Get ready for those ooey-gooey bites that will warm your soul!

How to Serve Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a mixed casserole of three main layers: large cubes of bright orange sweet potatoes with skin still on, dark green cooked spinach leaves, and small browned ground meat pieces scattered throughout. There is a melted light yellow cheese layer that covers parts of the dish, adding a slightly creamy texture on top. A wooden spoon is scooping a portion from the bottom right corner, revealing all the layers mixed together with a glossy, cooked finish. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the casserole’s flavor and appearance. These fresh toppings provide a lively contrast to the rich, cheesy dish and add just the right texture pop.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it with a crisp, refreshing side salad or steamed green beans. These lighter sides balance the richness and add an enjoyable variety to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look charming and special. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each serving for creamy tanginess. It’s a perfect way to impress guests or simply indulge yourself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option—just warm it up when you’re ready for a quick, nourishing meal.

Freezing

If you want to save time on busy days, this casserole freezes well. Simply cool completely, cover tightly with foil or a freezer-safe lid, and freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re short on time, though the oven method preserves that delicious golden cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well with this recipe. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to boost flavor since turkey has a milder taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. Just skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute to keep it dairy-free while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.

Are sweet potatoes necessary, or can I substitute them?

Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a unique texture that pairs beautifully with the beef, but you can swap them for regular potatoes or butternut squash if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor and color will change slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasoning blends and cheese. It’s a comforting meal you can enjoy without worries if you’re avoiding gluten.

How spicy is this casserole?

This casserole has a gentle seasoning profile with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, making it mild in spice. You can always add crushed red pepper for heat if you like a spicier kick.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of those go-to dishes that you’ll want on speed dial when you need a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers flavor and texture in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen repertoire!