Description
This Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef or turkey with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices. Baked to perfection with a cheesy topping, it makes a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
Canned Goods and Sauces
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Spices and Ingredients: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Then add diced sweet potato, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and tomato sauce. Simmer everything together for 5-7 minutes until the sweet potatoes start to soften.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting Sweet Potato Chili Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or keep it vegetarian by removing meat and adding extra beans.
- If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Make sure to dice the sweet potato small enough so it cooks through during baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
