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 the most wonderful, savory smell, much like our Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole. It promises a full belly and a happy heart.
I remember my grandmother pulling a dish just like this from her oven. The steam would fog up her glasses, and she’d smile. It was a simple meal, but it meant everyone was home, safe, and together. That’s the feeling I want to share with you.
This isn’t a fancy or complicated dinner. It’s honest, hearty food. It brings together two humble ingredients in the best way. We’re talking tender, spiced beef and soft, sweet potatoes. They bake together into pure comfort.
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. Think of farmhouse kitchens and feeding a crowd. My grandma called it her “kitchen sink” supper. She used what she had from the garden and the pantry.
For her, sweet potatoes were a fall staple. They stored well in the cellar. Ground beef was an affordable way to stretch a meal. Combining them was pure, practical genius. It created something greater than the sum of its parts.
She’d make it on busy weeknights or for casual Sunday suppers. The table would be loud with stories. The pan would always come back empty. That’s the true test of a great recipe.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
Some newer recipes get fussy. They add long ingredient lists or complicated steps. The traditional way is about simplicity and letting a few good flavors shine.
We use basic, pantry-friendly spices you already know. Think paprika, garlic, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. They build a deep, familiar flavor. We also layer everything right in the baking dish, a method shared by our Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Bake.
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
There’s no need for pre-cooking the sweet potatoes. They soften perfectly as the casserole bakes. This one-pan method is key. It keeps the process easy and the cleanup even easier.
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these ingredients is simple. You might not even need to go to the store. Here’s what you’ll need for this family-friendly meal.
- 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 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Don’t let the layers fool you. This comes together so easily. Just follow these simple steps for a foolproof dinner.
- First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light spray with oil.
- Now, brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Break the meat up as it cooks. Do this until no pink remains.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, stir in the minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute until it smells amazing.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This lets the flavors get to know each other.
- Time to layer! Arrange half of your thinly sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of your baking dish. Spread them out as evenly as you can.
- Pour the entire beef mixture over the first sweet potato layer. Then, carefully place the rest of the sweet potato slices on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it for 35 minutes. The foil trap the steam and cooks the potatoes perfectly.
- Take the dish out of the oven. Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Put the dish back in the oven, uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and the sweet potatoes to be tender.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if you like. Then, dig in!
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A couple of small tricks can make your bake even better. They’re the little things my grandma always did.
First, slice your sweet potatoes evenly. A sharp knife or a mandoline works great. Similar thickness means they all cook at the same rate. No one gets a crunchy piece.
Second, let it rest. I know it’s hard to wait when it smells so good. But those few minutes let the juices settle. It makes serving so much easier and the flavors even richer.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This casserole saves beautifully. Let any leftovers cool completely. Then, cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers.
It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat single servings in the microwave. For a larger portion, cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for a future busy night.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, balanced meal all on its own. Here’s a general look at what’s in a serving.
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a couple of 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 well. Just slice them thin, just like the sweet potatoes. The flavor will be more savory, but just as comforting.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It’s a complete meal on its own! But a simple green salad or some steamed green beans on the side is lovely. A crusty piece of bread is also perfect for soaking up any delicious sauce.
My sweet potatoes aren’t getting soft. What happened?
They might have been sliced too thick. Make sure they are no thicker than ¼ inch. Also, make sure your dish is covered tightly with foil for the first bake. That steam is crucial for cooking them through.
I hope this recipe finds a regular spot on your dinner table. It’s a reminder that the best meals don’t need to be difficult. They just need to be made with a little love.
This bake is a taste of home, of simpler times, and of full bellies. It’s the kind of meal that creates its own happy memories. I can’t wait for you to try it.
Did your family have a version of this classic? I would love to hear about it. Please let me know your thoughts and stories in the comments below. And if you make it, give it a rating—it helps so much! If you’re looking for a bolder twist on this idea, you must try our Southwest Ground Beef & Potato Bake.
