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 makes you feel at home the moment it comes out of the oven.
I remember the rich, savory smell filling my grandma’s kitchen. It was a sure sign that a comforting, hearty dinner was just minutes away. We’d all gather around the table, ready to dig into a dish that felt like pure love.
This recipe is my go-to for a simple, satisfying weeknight meal. It brings together familiar ingredients in the most wonderful way, much like our hearty hobo casserole. I know you and your family are going to love it.
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 takes me right back to my childhood. My grandma would make it on chilly Sunday evenings. It was her way of bringing the whole family together.
Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
PREPARATION
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bake Recipe!
Nutrition Information
She didn’t use a written recipe, just a little bit of this and a dash of that. I watched her make it so many times, I eventually learned it by heart. Now, I get to share that same warmth with my own family.
It’s a timeless recipe that has been passed down. It represents the very best of home cooking. Every bite is packed with memory and comfort.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
This is the real deal, just like grandma used to make. We keep things simple and honest here. There are no fancy tricks or hard-to-find ingredients.
The method is straightforward and reliable. We brown the beef to build a deep, savory flavor base. Then, we layer it with sweet potatoes that become wonderfully tender in the oven.
It’s all about letting the core ingredients shine. This is honest, from-scratch cooking that always delivers. You can trust this method to give you a perfect result every single time.
PREPARATION
Here is everything you’ll need. I promise, it’s all simple stuff you can find at any grocery store.
- 2 lbs ground beef (I use 85/15 for the best flavor)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. I’ll walk you through each simple step. You can totally do this.
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly.
- Next, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is no longer pink, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. This is a key step for a non-greasy casserole.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Now, arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Spread the entire beef mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Top with the remaining sweet potato slices. Try to layer them neatly.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake for another 15 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is bubbly and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up perfectly.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
Here are a couple of my best tips to help you get it just right. They make a big difference.
First, try to slice your sweet potatoes evenly. This helps them all cook at the same rate. No one ends up with a crunchy piece while others are mushy.
Second, don’t skip the step of letting the bake rest after it comes out of the oven. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It makes serving so much easier, too.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This bake makes fantastic leftovers. Let it cool completely before you store it.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
For a longer-term option, it freezes very well. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, balanced meal all on its own. Here’s a simple breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- It’s a great source of Vitamin A from the sweet potatoes.
If you’re looking for another comforting beef dish to try, our herb garden beef stew is a wonderful choice for chilly evenings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I get asked about this recipe all the time. Here are answers to the most common questions.
Can I use a different type of potato?
You sure can. Regular russet potatoes work wonderfully as a substitute. They give you that classic beef and potatoes flavor.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It’s a complete meal by itself. But a simple green salad or some steamed green beans on the side is always a nice, fresh addition. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with our flaky homemade apple turnovers.
My sweet potatoes aren’t getting tender. What should I do?
Make sure your slices are thin and even. If they are still firm, just pop the dish back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
I truly hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. It’s a dish built on love and simplicity, and it never fails to satisfy.
There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal that’s stood the test of time. I’m so glad I could share this piece of my family’s table with you.
Did this recipe bring back memories for you? I’d love to hear your stories and see your creations! Please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you.
