High-Protein Sweet Potato & Beef Casserole
If you are looking for a hearty, balanced meal that delivers comfort and serious protein, this High-Protein Sweet Potato and Beef Casserole is a great option. It combines lean ground beef, naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, creamy Greek yogurt, and melted cheddar into one satisfying dish.
The sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with savory beef and warm spices, while Greek yogurt adds creaminess and extra protein without making the dish heavy. It is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or post-workout meals when you want something filling and nourishing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 50–55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato, diced (about 3 cups)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or your choice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (or to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking, optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven. Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
Prepare the sweet potatoes. Dice into small, even cubes for quicker cooking.
Sauté the sweet potatoes. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook diced sweet potatoes for 8–10 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
Cook the beef. In the same skillet, add ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add aromatics. Stir in chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
Add vegetables. Mix in the mixed veggies and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Combine ingredients. Return sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir in Greek yogurt until evenly distributed.
Transfer and top. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
Bake. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly.
Pre-roasting sweet potatoes adds deeper flavor.
Use lean ground beef for a lighter dish.
Drain excess fat to avoid greasy texture.
Add a splash of broth if mixture seems dry before baking.
Taste and adjust seasoning before transferring to oven.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Let casserole rest before serving to set properly.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for meal prep.
Add extra Greek yogurt on top when serving for added creaminess.
Variations
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Tex-Mex Style: Add cumin and top with chopped cilantro.
Low-Carb Option: Replace sweet potato with cauliflower.
Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef.
Extra Protein Boost: Mix in a beaten egg before baking.
Spinach Addition: Stir in fresh spinach before baking.
Mozzarella Top: Replace cheddar with mozzarella for stretchier cheese.
Garlic Herb Version: Add Italian seasoning and extra garlic.
Buffalo Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of buffalo sauce.
Layered Style: Layer sweet potatoes on bottom, beef mixture on top.
Q&A
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
How long does it last?
Up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze baked casserole up to 2 months.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh is recommended for texture.
Is Greek yogurt necessary?
It adds creaminess and protein, but sour cream works too.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, bell peppers or zucchini work well.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar provides flavor; mozzarella gives stretch.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternatives.
Can I use ground chicken?
Yes, though flavor will be milder.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Values vary depending on beef fat percentage and ingredient brands.
Conclusion
This High-Protein Sweet Potato and Beef Casserole combines comfort and nutrition in one simple dish. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes balances savory beef and spices, while Greek yogurt keeps everything creamy and protein-rich without feeling heavy.
It is versatile, meal-prep friendly, and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven for dinner or portion it out for the week ahead, this casserole offers a satisfying, wholesome option that feels both comforting and nourishing.