This hearty sweet potato and ground beef casserole is a filling dinner option perfect for cold weather. It combines roasted root vegetables with savory meat and melted cheese for a complete meal in one dish.
List of ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes – peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes (approx. 4 cups).
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – used for roasting the potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – for seasoning the vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – for basic seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a savory depth.
- 2 teaspoons rosemary – dried or crushed for a woody aroma.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef – preferably 93/7 lean to avoid excess grease.
- 1 medium yellow onion – diced (white onion is a suitable alternative).
- 1 14.5 oz can vegetable broth – approximately 2 cups of liquid.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – or half and half for a slightly lighter texture.
- 1 1/3 cup instant rice – white or brown instant varieties work best.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – yellow or white varieties.
- 2 teaspoons parsley – dried flakes or fresh chopped leaves for garnish.
step-by-step instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 400°F. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Roast the Potatoes: Place the potato cubes in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary, tossing to coat. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Brown the Meat: While potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until completely browned.
- Sauté the Onions: If using higher fat beef, drain the excess grease from the pan. Add the diced onion to the beef and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Combine Components: Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven. Stir in the vegetable broth, heavy cream, uncooked instant rice, and the beef and onion mixture. Use a spoon to press the mixture into an even layer.
- First Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Return it to the oven and bake for 15 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and evenly spread the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit and cool for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before plating and serving.
Ingredient Alternatives and Substitutions
Using Different Protein Sources
You can replace the lean ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative. When using poultry, you may want to increase the salt or add a pinch of paprika to compensate for the milder flavor of the meat.
Switching the Type of Rice
This recipe specifically calls for instant rice because it cooks quickly in the oven. If you prefer regular long-grain white rice, you must pre-cook the rice or significantly increase the cooking time and liquid to prevent the grains from remaining hard.
Exploring Different Sweet Potatoes
While orange sweet potatoes are traditional, white sweet potatoes provide a milder flavor and a different texture. Purple sweet potatoes can also be used, though they will change the final color of the casserole to a more muted tone.
Dairy-Free Cream Alternatives
For those avoiding heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk or a cashew-based cream can be substituted. These options maintain the creamy consistency required to bind the rice and beef together during the baking process.
Adjusting the Cheese Variety
Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the potatoes. You can substitute this with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or Pepper Jack if you prefer a slight spicy kick in your comfort food.
Cooking Enhancements and Variations
Adding Extra Vegetables
To increase the nutrient density, stir in diced red bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn along with the onions. Cauliflower rice can also be mixed in with the instant rice to lower the overall carbohydrate count of the dish.
Incorporating Legumes
Adding a can of rinsed black beans or cooked brown lentils adds extra fiber and heartiness. These should be stirred in during the assembly phase before the casserole is covered with foil.
Expanding the Herb Profile
While rosemary is the primary herb, adding thyme or Italian seasoning can create a more complex flavor profile. A half teaspoon of onion powder or smoked paprika can also be added to the beef while browning for extra depth.
Controlling Beef Fat Levels
If you use 80/20 ground beef, it is critical to drain the rendered fat before adding the onions. Excess grease can prevent the rice from absorbing the broth and cream properly, resulting in an oily texture.
Preparation and Technical Tips
The Importance of Foil Covering
Covering the dish with aluminum foil is a mandatory step to trap steam inside the casserole. This steam is what cooks the instant rice thoroughly, ensuring the grains are soft and fully hydrated.
Achieving Perfect Potato Cubes
Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures that every piece roasts at the same rate. If the pieces are too small, they may mush; if they are too large, they may remain hard after the initial 30 minutes.
Managing Skillet Temperature
Use medium-high heat when browning the beef to ensure a good sear. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, develops the savory flavors that balance the sweetness of the potatoes.
Preventing Rice Overcooking
Avoid over-stirring the casserole once the rice and liquid are added. Gently patting the mixture down ensures an even cook without breaking the roasted potato cubes into a mash.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Fresh Vegetable Side Dishes
Pair this rich casserole with oven-roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to add brightness to the meal. A side of roasted cauliflower with lemon and garlic also complements the sweet potato flavors well.
Light Salad Pairings
A simple garden salad with a homemade Italian vinaigrette provides a necessary acidic contrast to the creamy cheese and beef. Use a mix of romaine, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for the best result.
Adding a Fresh Topping
While dried parsley is listed, topping the final dish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of hot sauce can also be added for those who enjoy heat.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Refrigeration Instructions
Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. When stored properly in the refrigerator, this dish will remain fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Microwave Reheating Method
To reheat in the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and add a teaspoon of water or broth to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second increments on high, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Oven Reheating for Texture
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning and heat for 10-15 minutes until the center is hot.
Freezing and Thawing
This casserole can be frozen after the initial bake but before adding fresh parsley. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, thawing completely in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice, but you must reduce the amount of vegetable broth and cream used. Since the rice is already hydrated, using the full amount of liquid will result in a soup-like consistency.
Why are my sweet potatoes still hard?
This usually happens if the potato cubes were cut too large or if the oven temperature was too low during the first 30 minutes. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before starting.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer more fiber and a rustic look. Just make sure to scrub them thoroughly before dicing.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
This specific recipe is designed for the oven to get the potatoes roasted and the cheese browned. To adapt it for a slow cooker, you would need to sauté the beef and onions first and omit the initial roasting step.
Is instant rice the only option?
Instant rice is used because it cooks in the 15-minute window provided by the foil-covered bake. Regular rice requires much more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time, which would overcook the roasted potatoes.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Vegetable broth is used here, but chicken broth is an excellent alternative. Ensure the broth is unsalted or low-sodium if you are sensitive to salt, as the cheese and seasonings already provide significant flavor.
Print
Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free
Description
Cheesy, sweet potato ground beef casserole is super easy to make. It’s the ultimate, healthy-ish comfort food and something the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried/crushed rosemary
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 14.5 oz can vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ⅓ cup instant rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel and dice sweet potatoes into 1 inch cubes.
- Step 2: Place potato chunks in a 9 x 13″ casserole dish, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and rosemary. Place baking dish in the oven and roast sweet potato cubes for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break apart with a spoon and stir until completely browned.
- Step 4: Add diced onion to the browned hamburger meat and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Step 5: Remove casserole dish from the oven. Add broth, heavy cream, uncooked instant rice and sautéed beef/onion mixture. Stir well and pat mixture evenly into the dish. Cover with foil and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove foil and top the casserole with shredded cheese. Return to the oven (uncovered) for about 10 more minutes.
- Step 7: Allow casserole to rest and cool for 10-15 minutes. Add parsley flakes, plate and enjoy!
Notes
Sweet potatoes: diced, about 4 cups worth. Lean ground beef: drain excess fat if using higher fat content. Broth: vegetable broth is used.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 339 kcal
- Sugar: 3.4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 11.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 20.5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg