Savory Sweet Potato Beef Bake
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish with this Savory Sweet Potato Beef Bake. Combining the earthy sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce, this one-dish meal is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners. My journey in the kitchen began with this recipe, which has a special place in my heart as it helped change my mom’s mind about sweet potatoes. Enjoy the layers of flavors and textures in every bite–it's easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (raw, crumbled)
onion
1 large (chopped)
green pepper
1 (diced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
sweet potatoes
2 large (peeled and thinly sliced)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
pineapple juice
1 cup (unsweetened)
white vinegar
2 tablespoons (regular)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (low-sodium preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In an 8-cup baking dish, begin by mixing together the ground beef, chopped onion, diced green pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Press this mixture into an even, thin layer at the bottom of the dish.
3
Peel the large sweet potatoes and slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Layer the sweet potato slices evenly over the beef mixture, ensuring they cover the surface.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and flour until combined. This will help create a sweet and thick sauce to complement your casserole.
5
In another bowl, combine the pineapple juice, white vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir this mixture into the brown sugar and flour until smooth.
6
Evenly pour the sauce mixture over the sweet potato and beef layers, ensuring that it seeps down into the casserole.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
8
Once finished, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sweet Potato Beef Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole that layers seasoned ground beef with thinly sliced sweet potatoes and a tangy, sweet sauce made from pineapple juice and soy sauce.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to cook the ground beef before adding it to the dish?
No, the recipe uses 1 lb of raw, crumbled ground beef that is pressed into the bottom of the dish and cooked during the baking process.
How should I prepare the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and sliced thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even layering.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
An 8-cup baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
What ingredients are in the beef mixture layer?
The beef layer consists of ground beef, one chopped large onion, one diced green pepper, salt, and black pepper.
What are the components of the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of brown sugar, flour, pineapple juice, white vinegar, and soy sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Whisk the brown sugar and flour together first, then stir in the liquid ingredients until the mixture is smooth.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish bakes for a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes: 1 hour covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
Why is the dish covered with aluminum foil for the first hour?
The foil helps retain moisture, ensuring the sweet potatoes and beef cook through without drying out.
Why is the foil removed for the last 15 minutes?
Removing the foil allows the top of the casserole to crisp up slightly and the sauce to thicken.
Can I substitute the white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for regular white vinegar.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete meal containing protein, starch, and vegetables all prepared in one baking dish.
What kind of pineapple juice should I use?
Unsweetened pineapple juice is recommended to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is actually preferred for this recipe.
How many sweet potatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 large sweet potatoes.
What is the purpose of the flour in the sauce?
The flour acts as a thickener to create a syrup-like consistency for the casserole sauce.
Can I add other spices to the beef?
While the recipe calls for salt and pepper, you can add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this beef bake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweetness from the potatoes and pineapple juice makes it a popular choice for families with children.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground pork can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender and the sauce should be bubbling after the full baking time.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
While not explicitly required due to the fat in the beef, a light coating of cooking spray can help prevent sticking.
What kind of onion works best?
A large yellow or white onion is best for its balanced savory flavor.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture, but canned (drained) could be used in a pinch with reduced baking time.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe does not contain any milk, butter, or cheese.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 lb of beef, but specific nutritional data per serving is not provided.
Does the sauce seep through the layers?
Yes, the thin consistency of the sauce before baking allows it to seep down through the potatoes into the beef layer.