Cheesy Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Casserole: A Family-Style Favorite
A fun, layered comfort meal featuring savory, sweet, and crunchy elements.
This robust, flavorful Cheesy Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Casserole brings the spirit of taco night to your table in a new way. Richly seasoned ground beef, luscious strands of spiralized sweet potato, crunchy tortilla chips, and gooey melted cheese are layered together for a crowd-pleasing casserole that guarantees family dinnertime excitement. Whether you’re honoring Taco Tuesday or just seeking a fun, comforting meal, this dish is bound to become part of your regular menu.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and comforting flavors that please all ages.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and meal prepping.
- Easy Customization: Simple swaps accommodate dietary preferences and available ingredients.
- Taco Night Twist: Classic taco elements are given a fun, layered presentation.
About the Cheesy Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Casserole
This casserole is inspired by classic taco flavors but assembles them in a way that’s both familiar and unique. Instead of taco shells, the recipe uses sturdy, crunchy tortilla chips to form delicious layers. Spiralized or diced sweet potato blends seamlessly with the ground beef, lending natural sweetness and a fun texture. A can of chunky salsa and diced tomatoes create saucy moisture that soaks into the chips, melding all the ingredients in each mouthwatering bite.
The Inspiration
Taco night is a beloved tradition for many families, though it doesn’t always have to involve tortillas. After experimenting with spiralizers and enjoying chilaquiles— a dish where tortilla chips are bathed in flavorful sauces—the idea for this comfort-food casserole was born. By fusing the convenience of a casserole with the fun of taco toppings, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this casserole create a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 or 85/15 for rich flavor but not too much grease.
- Sweet Potato: Spiralized for long strands, or finely diced if you prefer (or if you don’t have a spiralizer).
- Onion and Garlic: For savory aromatics.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought blend, or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne.
- Chunky Salsa: Adds heat and acidity
- Diced Tomatoes: For moisture and bright flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: The backbone of the casserole, providing crunch and corn flavor.
- Cheese: A generous mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for easy melting and robust flavor.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: For cooking and seasoning.
- Favorite Taco Toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or extra salsa.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Type/Notes |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Lean or standard blend |
| Sweet Potato | Spiralized or diced |
| Onion | Yellow or white, diced |
| Garlic | Minced |
| Taco Seasoning | Packet or homemade |
| Chunky Salsa | Medium or hot, to taste |
| Diced Tomatoes | Canned, undrained |
| Tortilla Chips | Sturdy, not too thin |
| Cheese | Shredded; cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend |
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Casserole
Preparation time: About 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 6–8
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and break up with a spoon; cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Spiralize or Dice Sweet Potato: While the beef cooks, spiralize the sweet potato (or dice it finely if preferred). Stir into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes until just beginning to soften.
- Add Seasonings and Sauces: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and sweet potatoes, stirring until evenly coated. Mix in diced tomatoes and chunky salsa. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is thick and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Scatter a layer of tortilla chips across the bottom of your casserole dish.
- Spoon half the beef and sweet potato mixture evenly over the chips.
- Sprinkle with half the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers: another layer of chips, remaining meat mixture, and the rest of the cheese on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes to set slightly. Finish with your favorite toppings: extra salsa, dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, or shredded lettuce as desired.
Pro Tips
- If using spiralized sweet potatoes, they soften faster than diced versions. Adjust your simmer time as needed.
- For even richer flavor, consider mixing in a handful of black beans or corn with the beef and sweet potatoes before layering.
- Don’t skip the cooling step after baking—this helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
- Keep leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, uncovered, for best texture.
What others are reading
Recipe Variations and Swaps
- Vegetarian: Omit the beef and use black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Other Meats: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless crumble.
- Cheese Options: Pepper Jack, Colby, or even a bit of queso fresco can be used for different flavor profiles.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Double-check your tortilla chips and taco seasoning for gluten-free labels.
- Add Extras: Chopped bell peppers, corn kernels, or jalapeños can be stirred in for added color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also excellent when served with:
- Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Sliced avocado with salt and chili powder
- Fresh guacamole and extra tortilla chips
- Refried beans or Mexican-style rice on the side
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Note: Values will vary based on your specific ingredients and serving sizes.
How to Make Ahead and Store
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef and sweet potato filling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Layer and bake the casserole just before serving for the best texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until hot, then uncover to crisp the top.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the tortilla chips can become mushy after thawing. If you need to freeze, freeze only the beef and sweet potato mixture, then assemble with fresh chips and cheese before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don’t have a spiralizer for the sweet potato?
No spiralizer? No problem. Dice the sweet potato into small, even cubes for quick, uniform cooking. The taste and texture will still work beautifully.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter, leaner casserole and takes well to the taco-inspired seasoning.
Will the tortilla chips get soggy?
The chips in the bottom and middle layers will soften as they absorb sauce and flavor during baking, creating a hearty, cohesive texture—not unlike delicious chilaquiles. If you prefer crunch, serve with extra chips on the side or add a handful to the top just before serving.
Can I add beans or corn?
Yes! Stir in a can of drained black beans or a cup of corn to the beef and sweet potato mixture to stretch the casserole further and add extra nutrients.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is classic, but feel free to use any melty cheese you enjoy. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, while a Mexican blend is reliably creamy.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Let it rest: A 10-minute rest after baking allows the casserole to set, making serving easier.
- Fresh toppings: Adding toppings after baking ensures vibrant flavor and contrasting textures.
- Customize heat: Adjust the level of spice by using mild or hot salsa, extra jalapeños, or a shake of hot sauce per serving.
- Double for a crowd: This recipe scales easily for large gatherings—just use a bigger baking dish!
- Kid-friendly: Leave out spicy toppings or use mild salsa for a meal everyone will enjoy.
More Casserole Inspiration
If you love hearty, cheesy casseroles, try these next:
- Classic Taco Casserole: Layers of seasoned ground beef, tortilla chips, and cheese baked until bubbly.
- Cowboy Casserole: Packed with beef, veggies, and a tater tot crust.
- Stuffed Bell Pepper Bake: All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a comforting casserole.
- Sloppy Joe Casserole: Your favorite sandwich turned into a fork-and-knife feast.
Summary
Cheesy Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Casserole provides comfort, bold flavor, and family fun—perfect for any night you crave something inspired by tacos but crave a creative twist. Enjoy the customizable nature, the ease of layering hearty ingredients, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Try it once, and it may become your new favorite way to do taco night!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a40557707/taco-casserole-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a83834/cheesy-beef-and-sweet-potato-taco-casserole/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g37358432/ground-beef-casserole-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32264411/sweet-potato-recipes/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
