If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing answer to chilly nights or a hearty meal for your busy week, look no further than this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole. It’s bursting with wholesome flavor, loaded with vibrant veggies and beans, and crowned with a touch of melty cheese for good measure. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a meal prep session for yourself, this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole delivers the perfect balance of bold chili spices, satisfying textures, and a hit of sweetness from those gorgeous orange sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potato Chili Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is how it turns a handful of kitchen staples into something special. Each ingredient builds on the next, adding color, depth, and comfort with every bite. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you won’t want to skip a thing:

Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions, building up savory flavor as the foundation of the dish.
Onion: Adds aromatic depth and a gentle sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes.
Garlic: Brings bold, fragrant notes to make the chili truly mouthwatering.
Ground turkey or beef: Lends hearty protein and richness—choose your favorite or keep it light!
Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, lending a creamy texture and natural sweetness that transforms the casserole.
Black beans: Offer plant protein and satisfying texture, soaking up all those chili spices.
Kidney beans: Add color, fiber, and heartiness to make the casserole extra filling.
Diced tomatoes: Their tangy juices bring balance and keep everything wonderfully juicy.
Tomato sauce: Ties everything together with a luscious, savory base.
Chili powder: The essential chili kick that gives the casserole its vibrant character.
Cumin: A warming spice that deepens the earthiness and flavor complexity.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that elevates the whole dish.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning and balance—don’t skimp.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that’s hard to resist.
Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional): Fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor at the finish line.

How to Make Sweet Potato Chili Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and warm up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them for a few minutes until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic for another 30 seconds. This first sizzling step builds the fragrant, savory backbone of your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Next, add your ground turkey or beef to the skillet, using your spoon to break it up as it browns. You’re looking for crumbly, golden pieces with lots of flavor—not big clumps. This is where the heartiness comes in, but you can always swap in more beans or lentils for a vegetarian twist.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Beans

Once your meat is browned, fold in the star ingredients: diced sweet potatoes, black beans, and kidney beans. These mix-ins create fabulous texture and give the casserole its beautiful spectrum of color. Dump in the diced tomatoes with their juices, and pour over the tomato sauce to keep things luscious and saucy.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stove. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the sweet potatoes to soak up those bold flavors and everything to meld together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Now for the cozy part: Scoop the chili mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it generously over the top, remove the foil, and pop it back in the oven for another 5–7 minutes, letting the cheese bubble and melt into a glorious golden blanket.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Take the Sweet Potato Chili Casserole out and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this makes it easier to slice and lets the flavors settle. Finish with a scatter of chopped cilantro or green onions if you’re craving a fresh, vibrant pop.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Chili Casserole

Garnishes

To really make this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole shine, I love to top each serving with a little extra cheddar, a handful of freshly chopped cilantro, or some sliced green onions. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a few avocado slices add creamy, tangy contrast and make each bite something special.

Side Dishes

This dish is totally satisfying all by itself, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or a bright salad tossed in citrusy vinaigrette. These sides complement the casserole’s heartiness and bring a lovely balance to your dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual get-togethers, scoop the Sweet Potato Chili Casserole into individual ramekins or mugs for a fun, personalized presentation. Or create a chili bar with assorted toppings—think jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and sour cream—so everyone can customize their plate just the way they love it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is the hero of busy weeknights! Simply let it cool completely, then cover and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days and tastes even better as the flavors continue to mingle.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion leftovers into airtight containers or wrap the entire casserole dish tightly. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a soul-warming meal, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For large portions, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. Individual servings reheat perfectly in the microwave—just a few minutes on medium power, and you’re ready to dig in.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Potato Chili Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the ground turkey or beef and add an extra can of beans or a cup of cooked lentils. The result is every bit as hearty and delicious, with plenty of plant-based protein and fiber.

How can I make it spicier?

Feel free to turn up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce alongside the other spices. You’re in control of how fiery you want your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your tomato sauce and spices to ensure no additives have snuck in.

Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Definitely. Assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

What proteins work best as a substitute?

If you’d like to mix things up, try using ground chicken, chopped rotisserie chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute in place of turkey or beef. Your Sweet Potato Chili Casserole will be just as satisfying and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this Sweet Potato Chili Casserole to your kitchen. It’s a feel-good, flavor-packed dish that’s impossible not to love and always a hit at the table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Sweet Potato Chili Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Sweet Potato Chili Casserole that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. This dish combines tender sweet potatoes, savory ground turkey or beef, and a mix of beans in a deliciously spiced tomato sauce, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey or beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Cook meat: Add ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned.
Add ingredients: Stir in sweet potatoes, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Transfer and bake: Transfer the chili to a casserole dish, bake covered for 25–30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
Top and finish: Remove foil, add cheese if desired, bake uncovered until cheese melts. Rest before serving, garnish if preferred.