If you’re hunting for a crave-worthy and comforting dinner that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, look no further than this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole. Imagine everything you love about hearty chili and nourishing baked casseroles blended into one bubbling, bold, and wholesome dish. Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and velvety texture, while savory spices, lean ground meat, beans, and melty cheddar turn this one-pan meal into the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry family, or just cozying up on a chilly night, this casserole delivers bold flavors with every bite.

Sweet Potato Chili Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Chili Casserole calls for everyday kitchen staples and fresh veggies to guarantee a satisfying flavor and gorgeous pop of color. Each ingredient serves an important role, layering the flavors and lending irresistible texture to every forkful. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love having them in your pan:

Olive oil: Gives a silky base for sautéing onions and garlic, adding depth right from the start.
Onion: Builds sweetness and aromatic flavor, vital for a great chili foundation.
Garlic: Elevates the savory notes and brings irresistible warmth to the dish.
Ground turkey or beef: Adds hearty protein; turkey keeps it lighter, beef brings richness.
Chili powder: Delivers that classic, smoky chili flavor we all love.
Cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of citrus — totally essential in any chili!
Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and beautiful color to your casserole.
Salt: Balances and enhances every other flavor.
Black pepper: Lends a gentle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
Black beans: Boosts protein and fiber, plus their creaminess pairs so well with sweet potatoes.
Diced tomatoes: Introduce juicy acidity to keep flavors bright and zesty.
Frozen corn: For pops of sweetness and texture — straight from the freezer, so easy!
Sweet potatoes: The star! Their natural sweetness and velvety texture complement the spices perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into bubbly, golden goodness on top. Highly recommended for cheese lovers!
Chopped cilantro: A fresh, vibrant garnish to tie everything together.

How to Make Sweet Potato Chili Casserole

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring often for about 2–3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen is filled with a savory, tantalizing aroma and the onions are beautifully softened.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground turkey or beef to your skillet, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Give it time to fully brown — this step is key for building flavor and giving your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole a hearty, satisfying bite. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary, but leave enough to keep things juicy.

Step 3: Season Generously

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every morsel of meat and onion gets a little love from these bold seasonings. Suddenly, everything will smell warm and spicy — a sure sign you’re building layers of flavor.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

Add your drained black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained for extra juiciness), frozen corn, and perfectly diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir it all up thoroughly, ensuring the sweet potatoes get well distributed and the mixture looks cohesive and colorful. Let everything simmer together for 5–7 minutes, just until the sweet potatoes start to soften and all the flavors intermingle.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and scoop the simmering mixture in, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. This hands-off oven time ensures all the flavors meld together and the sweet potatoes finish cooking without dryness.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

If you’re going the cheesy route (which I highly recommend!), pull off the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese is melt-in-your-mouth luscious and perfectly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

When your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is bubbling and ready to go, shower it with fresh chopped cilantro right before serving. That final sprinkle adds color and a burst of herbaceous freshness, making every serving seem special and inviting.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Chili Casserole

Garnishes

Treat this casserole like your favorite chili — top with extra cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or green onions for an added kick. Chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime brighten each serving and make the colors pop. Let your taste buds lead the way!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, warm cornbread, or a pile of tortilla chips for scooping adds variety and texture to your meal. Anything that sops up those saucy bites is fair game, so set your table with sides you love!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try individual ramekins for a fun twist, or spoon servings over baked sweet potatoes for double sweet potato goodness. You can even fill bell pepper halves with the casserole mixture and bake, turning your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole into an edible bowl — perfect for impressing guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sweet Potato Chili Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply let it cool completely, cover tightly (or store individual portions in sealed containers), and enjoy effortless lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Flavors deepen and meld even more overnight!

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar. After baking and fully cooling, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Label and date, then freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating — you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-enjoy meal on hand for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm individual servings in the microwave until hot. For bigger amounts, use a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through. A splash of broth or water can help revive the sauciness if it seems dry. Don’t forget fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving again!

FAQs

Can I make this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add another can of black beans (or your favorite canned bean) for plenty of protein and texture. You won’t miss the meat thanks to all the bold chili flavors and hearty veggies.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is naturally gluten-free. As always, if you’re serving someone with celiac disease, double-check all labels for hidden gluten, especially in spice blends and canned goods.

Can I make this ahead for a party or meal prep?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, stash it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. It reheats perfectly, so it’s wonderful for meal plans or make-ahead dinners that don’t taste like leftovers.

What’s the best way to dice sweet potatoes quickly?

Peeled sweet potatoes can be tricky, but a sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of it. Cut the potatoes into thick slices, then stack and dice. Keeping your pieces bite-sized ensures they cook evenly and soak up all that chili flavor.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes! Feel free to swap in kidney or pinto beans, or add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra veggie goodness. This Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is as flexible as it is flavorful, so tailor it to your preferences and pantry staples.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to mix things up and give your weeknight routine a vibrant, hearty upgrade, this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is your new best friend. It comes together easily, stores like a dream, and packs a punch of wholesome, bold flavor that everyone will crave. Give it a try and see just how irresistible dinner can be!

Sweet Potato Chili Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the heartiness of chili. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this gluten-free casserole is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey or beef

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic. Add ground turkey (or beef) and cook until browned. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add remaining ingredients: Mix in black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25–30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
Finish: Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with cilantro and serve.