Description
This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, fresh spinach, and melted cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, it balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients and is easy to prepare in just 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 medium-sized vine-ripened tomato, chopped (optional)
- ¾ tsp sea salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, chopped
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1.5 to 2 cups grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Onions and Brown Beef: Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven or a thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the meat into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Brown the beef for a couple of minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Sweet Potatoes: Stir in Italian seasoning, chopped tomato (if using), chopped sweet potatoes, sea salt, and black pepper. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the pot, cover again, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the sweet potato and ground beef mixture evenly into a large casserole dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot in big bowls. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can use your favorite cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavor variations.
- The tomato is optional but adds a nice freshness and acidity to the dish.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasoning.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure to chop the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
