Name: Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes; 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 (93/7); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups); ½ cup heavy cream (or half & half); 1 & ⅓ cup instant white or brown rice; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 teaspoons parsley flakes

Introduction

This Sweet Potato Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender roasted sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked casserole, showing a top layer of melted golden cheese mixed with green herbs sprinkled evenly. Underneath, there are visible orange chunks of sweet potato and small pieces of dark green vegetables, all mixed with grains that add a textured layer throughout. A metal fork with a black handle rests on the right side of the dish, partly inserted into the food. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin folded beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, diced (about 4 cups)

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 (93/7)

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)

½ cup heavy cream (or half & half)

1 ⅓ cup instant rice (white or brown)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 teaspoons parsley flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel the sweet potatoes and dice them into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Place the diced sweet potatoes in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 3: Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 30 minutes until tender.

Step 4: While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. If using higher-fat beef, drain any excess fat before proceeding.

Step 5: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 6: Remove the casserole dish from the oven once the sweet potatoes are roasted. Add the vegetable broth, heavy cream, instant rice, and the beef and onion mixture to the dish. Stir everything together, then press the mixture down evenly with a spoon.

Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Step 8: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven uncovered for about 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Let the casserole rest and cool for 10-15 minutes before sprinkling with parsley flakes. Serve and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried rosemary?

Yes! Use about one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary instead of dried. Add it before roasting the sweet potatoes for the best flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole through step 6, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese topping and finish baking when ready to serve.