Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole

A Cozy, Comforting Thanksgiving-Inspired Dinner

This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is one of those hearty, feel-good dishes that comes together with ease, fills your kitchen with cozy aromas, and satisfies even the hungriest crowd. With the warmth of roasted sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, this casserole is both nourishing and comforting—a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving recipes board or any fall dinner menu.

this recipe

Whether you're prepping for a low-key holiday gathering, cooking ahead for the week, or just craving a wholesome one-pan meal, this dish delivers big on flavor and simplicity.

Jump to:

• A Cozy, Comforting Thanksgiving-Inspired Dinner
• Why This Recipe Works
• Flavor and Texture
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
• How to Make Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole
• Helpful Tips for Success
• Make-Ahead and Storage
• Easy Customizations
• What to Serve with It
• More Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving
• Join the Thanksgiving Table
• Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced, Hearty Ingredients

This recipe blends lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and leafy greens into one flavorful bake. Every forkful has creamy, earthy sweet potatoes, seasoned beef, wilted spinach, and that irresistible layer of cheese.

Perfect for Weeknights or Holidays

It’s easy enough for weeknights, but cozy and festive enough to serve for Thanksgiving dinner alongside other autumn favorites.

Great for Meal Prep

Make it on Sunday and enjoy satisfying leftovers all week. It stores well and reheats beautifully.

Flavor and Texture

You’ll love the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes paired with the rich, savory beef. The cheese melts into every layer, giving the casserole a creamy finish without feeling too heavy. Spinach blends in seamlessly, adding color and nutrients without overpowering the flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 medium tomato, chopped (optional)
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 1½ to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

Meat options: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well.
Cheese swap: Use any good melting cheese. Gruyere or Colby Jack are great fall-inspired options.
Extra veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Dairy-free option: Skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Spinach substitute: Kale or chopped Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high.
3. Sauté the onion for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

5. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sweet potatoes, and chopped tomato. Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften.
6. Add the spinach and cover for another 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
7. Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.

9. Bake uncovered for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Add chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish if desired.

Helpful Tips for Success

Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to make this a one-pot meal.
Chop the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes for quicker, more even cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning before transferring to the casserole dish—sweet potatoes can mellow flavors, so a little extra salt might be needed.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze fully cooked portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave in 90-second bursts or bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Easy Customizations

For spice lovers: Add chili powder or smoked paprika.
Taco-style: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs, and top with salsa or avocado.
Add a Thanksgiving twist: Mix in roasted Brussels sprouts or use a cheese blend with sage or thyme.

What to Serve with It

This casserole pairs well with:

• A crisp green salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots
• Cranberry sauce or a drizzle of maple mustard dressing
• Cornbread or dinner rolls for a festive side

If you're building out a Thanksgiving dinner menu, this makes a satisfying alternative to traditional stuffing or as a hearty side dish.

More Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving

If you love sweet potatoes, you’ll want to explore these cozy, seasonal recipes too:

• Vegan Sweet Potato Pudding – A naturally sweet, dairy-free dessert perfect for a lighter Thanksgiving finish.
• Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Chimichurri – A fresh and vibrant side dish with bold herb flavor.
• Sweet Potato Pancakes (Thanksgiving Breakfast) – Start Thanksgiving morning with warm spiced pancakes that celebrate the season.

Join the Thanksgiving Table

This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is one of those recipes that blends the comforting richness of traditional fall meals with everyday ease. It’s wholesome, deeply flavorful, and endlessly customizable—making it perfect for busy weeknights or your Thanksgiving spread.

Planning your Thanksgiving recipe board? Don’t forget to pin this recipe and others to your collection on Pinterest. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Let us know how you made it your own in the comments. Happy cooking and Happy Thanksgiving!

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