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A healthy cuban beef casserole, rich in lean protein and vegetables.

Healthy Cuban Beef & Sweet Potato Casserole

This Healthy Cuban Beef & Sweet Potato Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy family meal. Ground beef is simmered in a rich, savory sauce with bell peppers, garlic, and spices, then topped with sweet potato and baked until golden.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 1 chopped Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 chopped Green Bell Pepper
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (no-salt-added, undrained)
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1/2 cup Green Olives pimento-stuffed, sliced
  • 2 tbsp Raisins (optional)
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
For the Topping
  • 2 large Sweet Potatoes peeled and thinly sliced or mashed

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (if pot not oven-safe)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the sweet potato topping by peeling and either thinly slicing or boiling and mashing them; set aside.
Cooking the Beef Mixture
  1. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe pot, brown the ground beef, breaking it up, then drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil to the pot, sauté chopped onion and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, browned beef, green olives, and optional raisins.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-60 minutes, stirring occasionally; season with salt and pepper to taste and remove the bay leaf.
Assembly and Baking
  1. If your pot is not oven-safe, transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  2. Arrange the sweet potato slices in an overlapping pattern or spread mashed sweet potato evenly over the beef mixture.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-35 minutes until the topping is tender and lightly golden and the casserole is bubbly.
  4. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For a richer flavor, simmer the beef mixture for up to an hour. If you don't have an oven-safe pot, ensure you transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish before topping and baking. This casserole reheats well and is great for meal prepping.