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 the whole house with a smell that promises good things, much like a classic savory ground beef and sweet potato casserole.
It takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. She believed the best food was simple, hearty, and made to be shared. This casserole is all of that and more.
It’s a beautiful mix of sweet, savory, and just a little smoky. Every bite is pure comfort. I think you’re going to love it.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This dish is a memory on a plate. My grandma was a master of “kitchen sink” dinners. She’d take what was in the pantry and make magic.
I remember one chilly autumn evening. She had some sweet potatoes, a can of beans, and some ground beef. With a few spices, she created this masterpiece. It has the same soul-warming spirit as a savory beef and sweet potato casserole.
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
It became a family legend. We requested it for birthdays and Sunday suppers. It was our favorite nutritious family meal without even trying to be.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
The traditional way is all about honest ingredients. We’re not trying to make it fancy. We’re building layers of flavor the old-fashioned way.
That means browning the beef until it’s perfectly crumbled. It means letting the spices toast a bit to wake them up. The sweet potatoes roast right in the sauce, getting tender and sweet.
We don’t use any thickeners or complicated steps. The casserole sets up beautifully on its own. It’s a gluten free beef bake by nature, just like grandma used to make.
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to comfort. You probably have most of them already.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for heat)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps and your kitchen will smell incredible. I promise it’s easier than it looks.
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a big skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook for one more minute until it smells amazing.
- Stir in the tomato paste and minced chipotle peppers. Let it cook for another minute.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Then, carefully pour it all into your baking dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Take the dish out of the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Put it back in the oven, uncovered, for 15 more minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and the sweet potatoes to be fork-tender.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up perfectly. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if you like.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A couple of small tricks make a big difference. They’re the secrets my grandma taught me.
First, cut your sweet potatoes evenly. This makes sure every piece cooks at the same rate. Nobody wants a crunchy piece next to a mushy one.
Second, taste the filling before you bake it. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, or smokiness. The chipotle can be spicy, so start with two peppers and add more if you want.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This casserole is maybe even better the next day. The flavors have more time to get to know each other.
Let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly or put portions in airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven until it’s warm all the way through.
Nutrition Notes
This is comfort food that loves you back. It’s packed with good things.
- It’s naturally gluten free.
- High in protein from the beef and black beans.
- Full of fiber and vitamins from the sweet potatoes and beans.
- A great source of Vitamin A from the sweet potatoes.
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Can I make this with ground turkey instead?
You absolutely can. Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully here. Just make sure to use a bit of olive oil to cook it since it’s leaner than beef.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. What can I do?
No problem at all. Just leave out the chipotle peppers. The dish will still have great flavor from the cumin and tomatoes. You could add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a little smoky taste without the heat.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It’s a complete meal all on its own. But a simple green salad or some warm, crusty bread is always a welcome addition. It soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
I hope this recipe finds its way to your family table. It’s one of my favorite healthy dinner ideas that never feels like a compromise. If you love the combination of beef and potatoes, you must try the ultimate ground beef & potato casserole for the ultimate comfort.
It’s honest, hearty food meant for sharing. Every time I make it, I feel that same warmth I felt in my grandma’s kitchen.
I’d love to hear if this brings as much comfort to your home as it does to mine. Let me know your own memories or how your family liked it in the comments below!
