If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and wholesome, look no further than this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole. Combining vibrant veggies, two kinds of beans, juicy ground meat, and a medley of spices under a bubbly cheddar cheese topping, this casserole is pure, cozy satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the days ahead, this dish brings together the warming flavors of chili and the extra oomph of tender sweet potatoes in a way that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of fresh veggies, pantry staples, and the right seasonings are all it takes to create magic in every bite. Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole has an important role—think depth of flavor, pop of color, and irresistible texture.
- Olive oil: Brings everything together and helps sauté veggies for maximum flavor.
- Yellow onion: Lays the savory foundation with a bit of sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth that no chili is complete without.
- Red bell pepper: Pops of color and a delicate sweetness boost the visual appeal.
- Green bell pepper: Balances the red pepper with a touch of grassy bitterness.
- Ground turkey or beef: Choice of lean protein for a hearty, filling casserole.
- Chili powder: Signature chili kick that creates the classic flavor profile.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, it deepens the entire dish.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky edge for extra complexity.
- Dried oregano: Hints of herbal flavor that bring balance.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the flavors.
- Black beans: Creamy and satisfying, these add protein and fiber.
- Kidney beans: Firm texture holds up beautifully in the casserole.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes create a savory-sweet base for the chili.
- Tomato sauce: Ties everything together with a silky texture.
- Sweet potatoes: The star, bringing natural sweetness and irresistible tenderness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping you’ll love.
- Green onions (optional): Sprinkle on top for fresh color and bright flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Chili Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab a large skillet and warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully translucent and fragrant. This step builds the savory backbone of your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Peppers
Once your onions are perfectly softened, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Next, in go the red and green bell peppers. These need another 3–4 minutes to soften and release their sweet, fresh aroma, brightening up the base for your casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Now it’s time for your protein. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. This should take around 5–7 minutes. Browning the meat is key for rich, hearty flavor—a must for any chili-inspired dish!
Step 4: Season It Up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly, coating the meat and veggies in the fragrant blend. Give the mixture a minute or two so the spices can bloom and wake up all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Sweet Potatoes
Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and those gorgeous diced sweet potatoes. Make sure to stir everything together really well—the sweet potatoes will become tender as they bake, and all the flavors will meld together just right.
Step 6: Simmer
Let the mixture gently simmer on the stove for about 10 minutes. This quick simmer helps the sweet potatoes start to soften and ensures the spices infuse every bite. The mixture should look rich and slightly thickened.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Transfer your chili mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil, pop it in the oven, and bake for 30 minutes. This is when the sweet potatoes become meltingly tender and all those rich flavors combine.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Pull off the foil, sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling. Let your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole cool for a few minutes, garnish with green onions if you like, and it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Chili Casserole
Garnishes
A finishing touch goes a long way here! Sprinkle fresh green onions for a bright pop, or add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a few slices of creamy avocado. These garnishes add freshness and make every serving of Sweet Potato Chili Casserole feel special.
Side Dishes
You can keep things simple with a crisp green salad, or serve some warm cornbread or crusty bread on the side for dunking into all that delicious chili. Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts also pair beautifully, making this dinner complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, spoon generous helpings of the Sweet Potato Chili Casserole into individual bowls and offer a toppings bar—think shredded lettuce, jalapeños, tortilla chips, and hot sauce. You can even try serving it over rice or quinoa for an extra-hearty twist. Leftover casserole also makes a dynamite filling for stuffed peppers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Sweet Potato Chili Casserole cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors just keep getting better as they sit together. Perfect for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner later in the week!
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer’s dream. Spoon cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil for up to 3 months. To make portioning easier, you can freeze in individual servings. When that chili craving hits, your future self will thank you.
Reheating
To bring your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole back to life, reheat portions in the microwave or pop the whole casserole, covered, into a 350°F oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a splash of broth to keep it luscious and moist!
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Potato Chili Casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Just leave out the meat and swap in an extra can of beans or some cooked lentils. It’s just as hearty and satisfying, with all the same bold flavors.
What kind of beans work best for this casserole?
Black beans and kidney beans are classic, but you can mix things up with pinto beans or cannellini beans if that’s what you have on hand. The secret is a blend of textures and flavors.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds or skip it altogether—the Sweet Potato Chili Casserole will still be packed with delicious flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This casserole is flavorful with a mild heat, thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika. You can amp it up with diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce, or dial it down by using less chili powder.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Make the chili base ahead of time, pop it in the refrigerator, and assemble and bake with cheese when you’re ready to eat. You can also bake the entire casserole and simply reheat individual portions throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
Try this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole once, and you’ll see why it’s such a go-to for cozy gatherings and busy nights alike. Each bite is satisfying, colorful, and packed with flavor—pure comfort that also happens to be nourishing. I can’t wait for you to share it with your favorite people!
Print
Sweet Potato Chili Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with ground turkey (or beef), beans, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices, this gluten-free casserole is a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey or beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, then add bell peppers and cook. Add ground turkey or beef and cook until browned. Stir in spices, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sweet potatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, top with cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or a cup of cooked lentils.
- This casserole is great for meal prep and freezes well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous slice
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
