Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chipotle Beef Casserole is one of them. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful, welcoming smell, much like a classic ground beef and potato casserole.
It takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. She always knew how to turn simple ingredients into something magical. This dish is my own little tribute to that feeling.
It’s a hearty, all-in-one bake that brings together sweet, smoky, and savory in the best way. I think you’re going to love how easy it is to make. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a nutritious family meal that truly satisfies.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Casserole / Bake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This recipe started as a happy accident in my own kitchen years ago. I was trying to recreate the feeling of my grandma’s beef and potato hotdish.
I wanted something with the same heart but a little different. I had some sweet potatoes and a can of black beans on hand. The chipotle was my dad’s idea—he loves a touch of smoke and heat.
When I pulled that first bubbling dish out of the oven, I knew it was special. It tasted like a memory, but also something new. It’s been a family favorite ever since.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
For me, the traditional way is all about honest ingredients and simple techniques. We’re not trying to be fancy here.
We use real, whole foods you can recognize. The method is straightforward—brown the meat, layer the dish, and bake. That’s it. It’s the same satisfying, no-fuss approach you’ll find in this garlic butter ground beef and potato casserole.
The magic happens in the oven. Everything melds together into a cohesive, comforting whole. This is how home cooking is meant to be.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chipotle Beef Casserole Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chipotle Beef Casserole Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step. Each one plays a key role in building that deep, comforting flavor we love.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 2-3 tsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 ½ cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps and you’ll have a perfect, bubbling casserole. Don’t worry about being perfect—just cook with love.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion. Break up the meat as it cooks until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the skillet. Stir and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
- In your baking dish, combine the cubed sweet potatoes and drained black beans. Pour the beef mixture over the top and gently stir to mix everything.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil. The sweet potatoes should be tender. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set. Garnish with the remaining cheese and fresh cilantro or green onions.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
These little tricks make a big difference. They’re the secrets to getting this dish just right every single time.
Cube your sweet potatoes evenly. Try to cut them into ½-inch pieces. This makes sure they all cook through at the same time. Nobody wants a crunchy potato next to a mushy one.
Don’t skip the rest time. Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking is crucial. It allows the flavors to settle and makes serving so much easier.
Taste as you go. The chipotle can vary in heat. Start with 2 teaspoons, then add more after simmering if you want a bigger kick.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This casserole stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors get even better the next day.
Let it cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave. For the whole dish, cover it with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty meal that fuels your body with good things. Here’s a simple look at what’s in a serving.
- High in protein from the beef and black beans.
- Full of fiber from the sweet potatoes and beans.
- Excellent source of Vitamin A from the sweet potatoes.
- Naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free broth.
- A balanced meal with complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a couple of common questions I get about this family favorite.
Can I make this with ground turkey instead?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works very well here. Just know that the flavor will be a bit milder. You might want to add an extra pinch of the spices to boost the flavor.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. What can I do?
No problem at all. Simply leave out the chipotle peppers. The dish will still have wonderful flavor from the chili powder and cumin. It will be mild, warm, and very kid-friendly.
What can I serve on the side?
This casserole is a complete meal in a dish. But a simple green salad or some warmed cornbread on the side is always a welcome addition. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
I truly hope this recipe finds a place in your family’s regular rotation. It’s one of those healthy dinner ideas that never feels like a compromise. It’s just pure, simple comfort, perfect for when you’re craving a hearty and cozy ground beef casserole.
Making it always reminds me that the best meals are the ones shared with people you love. They don’t need to be complicated, just made with care.
I hope this brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine. Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below—I’d love to hear your own stories and see your ratings!
