🧀 Cheesy Beef, Broccoli, and Sweet Potato Casserole
🧀 Cheesy Beef, Broccoli, and Sweet Potato Casserole
This hearty, wholesome casserole combines tender roasted sweet potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, fresh broccoli, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. Everything is baked together until hot, bubbly, and golden on top — perfect for a comforting family dinner!
50–60 min
Total time
6 servings
Family dinner
Easy
Difficulty
Ingredients
Ingredient checklist
0/15 checked
For the casserole
Optional creamy addition
Optional topping
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Roast the sweet potatoes
Place the diced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Toss with half the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper.
Spread them in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, until almost tender. Stir halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Cook the ground beef
While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Season the beef
Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and black pepper.
If you want a creamier casserole, stir in the milk and sour cream or cream cheese. Cook for another minute, then remove from the heat.
Step 5: Prepare the broccoli
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Steam or boil for 2–3 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Drain thoroughly.
If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and remove excess water before adding it to the casserole.
Step 6: Assemble the casserole
Spread the roasted sweet potatoes evenly across the prepared baking dish.
Add the seasoned ground beef, followed by the broccoli florets. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Finish with extra cheddar or Parmesan if desired.
Step 7: Bake until bubbly
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are bubbling.
For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning. The beef should reach 160°F (71°C) internally.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy while the cheese is warm and stretchy.
Tips for the best casserole
Cut evenly: Keep the sweet potato cubes similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
Avoid watery broccoli: Drain it well before assembling the dish.
Use freshly grated cheese: It usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Add extra flavor: A pinch of chili flakes, cumin, or garlic powder works beautifully with the beef.
Make it ahead: Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the beef up to a day in advance. Assemble, refrigerate, and bake until thoroughly heated.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions until steaming hot, or reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Serving suggestions
Serve this casserole on its own for a complete, filling meal, or pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted green beans.
Enjoy your cheesy beef, broccoli, and sweet potato casserole! It’s savory, colorful, comforting, and easy to customize with your family’s favorite vegetables and cheeses.
