Growing up, my mom’s Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole was always the star of our holiday meals. The aroma of the bubbling cheese and warm spices would fill the house, and we’d all gather around the table, eagerly awaiting our slice. There was just something so comforting and indulgent about that rich, creamy dish – it was the ultimate cozy comfort food.
As an adult, I’ve tried countless variations on Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole, but none have quite captured the magic of my mom’s recipe. That’s why I’m excited to share this foolproof version with you today. Trust me, once you try this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole, it’ll become a staple in your household too.
Why This Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole
The key to this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes is perfectly complemented by the savory, spicy chili and the melty, gooey cheese on top. Plus, the breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that takes this dish to the next level. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show! Choose a few large, firm sweet potatoes for this recipe.
- Ground beef: For the chili-like base, you’ll need lean ground beef. Feel free to use turkey or plant-based ground if you prefer.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics provide the foundation of flavor.
- Chili powder, cumin, and oregano: The perfect spice blend to create that chili-inspired taste.
- Cream cheese and shredded cheddar: These cheeses make the casserole deliciously creamy and indulgent.
- Breadcrumbs: The crispy topping that brings everything together.
Step-by-Step Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole
This Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole is surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. It takes about an hour from start to finish, and you’ll only need a handful of kitchen tools – a baking sheet, a skillet, and a casserole dish.
1- First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then toss them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
2- Roast the sweet potato cubes for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re tender and lightly browned. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
3- Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute, then pour in a splash of water or beef broth to deglaze the pan.
5- Spread the roasted sweet potato cubes in an even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the chili beef mixture, then dot spoonfuls of cream cheese all over the top.
6- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole is making sure the sweet potatoes are cooked through before assembling the dish. Roasting them first ensures they’ll be tender and creamy in the final casserole.
Another tip is to use full-fat cream cheese and shredded cheddar for maximum creaminess. And don’t be afraid to get generous with the breadcrumb topping – that crispy layer is what takes this dish to the next level.
Serving and Storing Your Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole
Perfect Pairings for Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole
This Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole is truly a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a simple steamed veggie side. For drinks, I love serving it with a crisp white wine or a cold, frothy beer.
It’s also the perfect comforting dish for chilly autumn or winter evenings, so don’t be afraid to whip it up for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
You can also make this casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Or you can freeze it, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole
Creative Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole Variations
While this classic version is hard to beat, you can definitely get creative with Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole. Try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat. You could also swap the beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
For a seasonal twist, use roasted butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes in the fall, or try a sweet corn and black bean version in the summer. The possibilities are endless!
Making Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole Diet-Friendly
To make this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole a bit healthier, you can use low-fat cream cheese and shredded cheese. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed tortilla chips.
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can skip the sweet potatoes and use riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead. And for a vegan take, use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potatoes?
A: Absolutely! You can easily substitute regular russet or Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time accordingly, as sweet potatoes tend to be softer and cook faster.
Q: How long does this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole take to make?
A: In total, this recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish. The sweet potatoes need 20-25 minutes to roast, the chili beef comes together in 10-15 minutes, and the final baking time is 20-25 minutes.
Q: Can I make this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble it up to 3 days ahead of time, then just bake it when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q: How many people does this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole serve?
A: This 9×13-inch casserole will serve 6-8 people as a main dish, or 8-10 people as a side. You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on your needs.
Q: What should I do if my casserole is watery?
A: If you find that your Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole is a bit watery, try sprinkling a bit of cornstarch or flour over the sweet potatoes before assembling the dish. You can also bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes to help evaporate any excess moisture.
Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole. Tender sweet potato chunks are baked in a creamy, cheesy chili-infused sauce for a delicious and satisfying main dish.
Ingredients
– 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 (15 oz) can chili con carne
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, chili con carne, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese, milk, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. – Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. – Bake for 30 minutes.
5. – Remove from oven and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
6. – Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. – Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, use a hotter variety of chili. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a piping hot Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole fresh from the oven. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is simply irresistible. I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite in your household, just like it is in mine.
So what are you waiting for? Grab those sweet potatoes and get ready to enjoy the ultimate cozy comfort food. Let me know how your Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole turns out in the comments below!