Introduction
This savory dish combines the richness of ground chuck and a medley of vegetables, all nestled beneath a creamy layer of sweet potato topping. It’s a delightful way to enjoy comfort food that is both hearty and nutritious. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the filling:
– 1½ pounds ground chuck
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8-ounce package mushrooms, sliced
– 8-ounce bag frozen peas or mixed vegetables
– ½ teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– ¼ cup tomato paste
– 1 cup water
For the sweet potato topping:
– 3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cooked
– ½ cup (1 stick) butter
– ½ to ¾ cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
To prepare, begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked sweet potatoes, butter, and ½ cup of milk until smooth, adding more milk as needed for a creamy consistency. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then add onions and mushrooms until tender, draining excess fat. Stir in peas, spices, tomato paste, and water, simmering the mixture. Spread the sweet potatoes over the beef mixture in either an oven-safe skillet or a separate baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through. For an extra touch, garnish with smoked paprika or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the sweet potato topping
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, butter, and ½ cup milk. Beat until smooth, adding more milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Cook the filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms; continue cooking until the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add remaining filling ingredients
Stir in the frozen peas (or mixed vegetables), cumin, salt, thyme, black pepper, chili powder, tomato paste, and water. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Assemble the dish
If using an oven-safe skillet, spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the beef mixture. If not, transfer the beef mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and then spread the sweet potato topping over it.
6. Bake
Smooth the sweet potato layer and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and bubbly.
7. Optional garnish
Optional: Garnish with smoked paprika or chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Ingredient substitutions
Feel free to substitute ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Sweet potato consistency
Adjust the amount of milk in the sweet potato topping according to your desired texture – thicker for a firmer topping, or creamier with more milk.
Storage instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding extra cooking time as needed.
Cook techniques
Preparing Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cook sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with butter and milk for a smooth topping.
Browning Meat
Cook ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns to ensure even cooking.
Sautéing Vegetables
Add finely chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the browned meat, cooking until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
Simmering
Combine all filling ingredients in the skillet, bringing them to a simmer to meld the flavors together before baking.
Layering
Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potatoes atop the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring full coverage for even cooking.
Baking
Bake the assembled dish in a preheated oven until heated through and bubbly, achieving a warm and cohesive result.
FAQ
Can I use another type of meat instead of ground chuck?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference.
How can I make the sweet potato topping dairy-free?
Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative and use plant milk for mashing the sweet potatoes.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling and baking.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The dish is done when it is heated through and the edges are bubbly; the sweet potato topping should be slightly golden.
What can I use as a substitute for tomato paste?
You can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, though this may affect the consistency; reduce the liquid accordingly.
Conclusion
Transforming simple ingredients into a hearty dish, this sweet potato and ground beef casserole is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sweet potato topping complements the savory filling perfectly, making it a comforting meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
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