Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this classic Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bake is one of them. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a smell so good, everyone wanders in asking when dinner will be ready. If you love this style of easy, comforting bake, you might also enjoy our Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potato Bake.
I remember my grandmother pulling a dish just like this from her oven. The steam would rise, carrying the scent of savory beef and sweet, caramelized potatoes. It was pure, simple comfort on a plate. I want to share that feeling with you today.
This is food that brings people together. It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it asks for nothing more than a fork and an empty stomach. Let’s make a memory in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This dish has roots in thrift and warmth. It comes from a time when home cooks needed to feed a family well without a lot of fuss or fancy ingredients.
My grandma called it her “kitchen sink supper.” She’d use the ground beef from the local butcher and the sweet potatoes from her autumn harvest. It was a way to stretch a pound of meat into a feast.
Every bite takes me right back to her checkered tablecloth. It’s a story of making the most of what you have, and ending up with something truly special.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
The traditional way is all about honest flavors. We’re not hiding anything here. The magic happens when a few basic, good ingredients cook together slowly.
We use fresh sweet potatoes, not canned. We brown the beef until it’s perfectly crumbled and savory. The cheese on top gets golden and bubbly. It’s a method that has worked for generations because it’s straightforward and always delicious. For another classic take on this combination, try our Italian Ground Beef & Potato Bake with its herby tomato sauce.
This is the opposite of trendy. It’s a timeless, reliable formula for a great dinner.
Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bake Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these ingredients is simple. You probably have most of them in your pantry right now. That’s the beauty of a classic.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps and you’ll have a masterpiece of comfort food. Don’t rush the browning—it builds the foundation of flavor.
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of your greased dish. Spread the entire beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Place the remaining sweet potato slices on top of the beef in an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set perfectly.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A couple of small touches can make your bake absolutely perfect. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years.
First, slice your sweet potatoes evenly, about ¼-inch thick. This makes sure they all cook through at the same time. A mandoline slicer helps, but a sharp knife works just fine.
Second, let the baked dish rest before you dig in. I know it’s hard to wait! But those few minutes allow the juices to settle, so you get neat, beautiful slices instead of a runny mess.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This casserole is wonderful for leftovers. Once cooled, cover it tightly or store portions in airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat, just warm a portion in the microwave or cover it with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. The flavors often taste even better the next day.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Notes
- This information is an estimate per serving.
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a few common questions I get about this family favorite.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You absolutely can. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully. They’ll give you a more traditional beef and potato casserole flavor. Just slice them thin so they cook through.
What can I serve with this bake?
It’s a full meal on its own! But a simple green salad or some steamed green beans on the side are perfect for a bit of freshness. A crusty piece of bread is also great for soaking up any delicious sauce.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed. You might need to add 5-10 extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.
I hope this recipe finds a regular spot on your family’s dinner table. It’s a reminder that the best meals don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be made with care. For the ultimate in cozy, satisfying dinners, don’t miss our Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
There’s something so special about sharing these traditional dishes. They connect us to our past and warm our present. Now, I’d love to hear from you.
Did this Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bake bring back memories for you? What’s your family’s favorite comfort food casserole? Let me know in the comments below, and please leave a rating if you tried it!