Cottage Cheese Ground Beef Sweet Potato Casserole

The combination of creamy cottage cheese, savory ground beef, and naturally sweet roasted potatoes makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser.
This wholesome casserole layers comfort with health by incorporating protein-rich cottage cheese, lean ground beef, and vitamin-packed sweet potatoes. Each bite delivers hearty flavor with a satisfying texture—from the tender beef mixture to the creamy custard-like topping and the delicate sweetness of soft roasted potatoes.

What makes this casserole stand out is its versatility and balance.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or serving guests, this recipe adapts beautifully. It’s naturally gluten-free and offers a comforting, protein-rich option that doesn’t feel heavy. The cottage cheese adds creaminess without overpowering the other flavors, making it a favorite for both traditional eaters and health-conscious food lovers. You can even swap in turkey or plant-based crumbles to make it fit your preferences while keeping the integrity of the dish intact.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned.

4. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

5. In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, and oregano.

6. Layer half the sweet potato slices in the bottom of the casserole dish.

7. Add the ground beef mixture over the sweet potatoes.

8. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the beef layer, spreading it evenly.

9. Top with the remaining sweet potato slices. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, if using.

10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

11. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Wholesome Appeal of Cottage Cheese Ground Beef Sweet Potato Casserole

Cottage Cheese Ground Beef Sweet Potato Casserole is a heartwarming, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare dish that brings together classic comfort food ingredients with a modern, health-conscious twist. It’s the kind of recipe that satisfies not just the appetite but also the desire to eat well, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for an ideal meal-prep option, this casserole checks every box.

A Brief Background on This Casserole

Casseroles have long been a staple in households around the world due to their simplicity, affordability, and ability to feed a crowd. From American Midwest hotdishes to French gratins, layered baked dishes are known for their versatility. This particular recipe draws inspiration from those comforting traditions but adds a more nutritious and protein-focused approach.

The use of sweet potatoes rather than regular white potatoes not only enhances the dish’s flavor with natural sweetness but also boosts its nutritional profile. Meanwhile, the combination of lean ground beef and cottage cheese brings richness and depth without excessive fat or heaviness. The result is a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light and balanced.

Why This Casserole is a Standout

There are several reasons why this Cottage Cheese Ground Beef Sweet Potato Casserole has become a favorite in both home kitchens and food blogs alike:

1. Balanced Nutrition
This dish is loaded with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Ground beef, particularly lean cuts, is a great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Cottage cheese adds an extra punch of protein and calcium while being significantly lower in fat than traditional shredded cheeses. When combined, these ingredients create a nutritionally complete meal with protein, healthy carbs, and just the right amount of fat.

2. Great for Meal Prep and Batch Cooking
This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for weekly meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge for several days, or freeze individual portions for future meals. This makes it perfect for busy individuals, parents, and anyone who values convenience without compromising quality.

3. Naturally Gluten-Free
For those avoiding gluten, this recipe is a dream come true. There’s no flour or gluten-containing ingredients in the base recipe, so it’s a safe and satisfying option for gluten-sensitive eaters or those following a celiac-friendly diet.

4. Easy to Customize
This casserole is extremely flexible. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarians can replace the meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils. You can also sneak in extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

5. Comfort Food with a Lighter Twist
While traditional casseroles can be dense and heavy, this version offers comfort without the excess calories. The cottage cheese and egg mixture forms a creamy, custard-like layer that mimics the texture of richer cream-based sauces, but with far fewer calories and fat grams. It’s cozy without being cloying, hearty without being heavy.

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes:
Packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, sweet potatoes support immune function, gut health, and healthy vision. Their low glycemic index makes them a better choice for blood sugar control compared to regular potatoes.

Ground Beef:
Beef is a high-quality protein source essential for muscle repair and growth. When choosing lean varieties (like 90/10 or 93/7), it can be part of a healthy diet. It’s also rich in heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than plant-based iron.

Cottage Cheese:
Often overlooked, cottage cheese is a powerhouse of nutrition. High in casein protein, it’s especially great for satiety and muscle maintenance. It also provides calcium and B vitamins, supporting bone health and metabolism.

Eggs:
In addition to binding the dish, eggs contribute healthy fats, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients like choline, which is important for brain function.

Tips for Making This Casserole Even Better

• Uniform slicing: Slice the sweet potatoes thin and even to ensure they cook through properly and create beautiful, even layers.
• Don’t skip the seasoning: Both the ground beef and the cottage cheese layers benefit from seasoning. A pinch of dried herbs, garlic powder, or paprika can elevate the flavor.
• Add veggies: If you have bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms that need using up, sauté and add them to the meat layer.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños if you like heat.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a light side of roasted broccoli or green beans for extra vegetables. It also works well with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a spoonful of salsa for brightness.

For brunch, consider serving it alongside poached eggs or even avocado toast for a hearty, satisfying plate.

Who Will Love This Dish?

• Families looking for kid-friendly, veggie-packed meals
• Fitness enthusiasts wanting a high-protein meal
• Budget-conscious cooks needing simple, filling recipes
• Anyone seeking healthier comfort food
• Meal preppers and batch cookers

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Ground Beef Sweet Potato Casserole is a practical, nourishing, and absolutely delicious recipe that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. With its blend of savory beef, creamy cottage cheese, and naturally sweet potatoes, it hits all the right notes of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re trying to eat clean, fuel your day with real food, or simply enjoy a warm and filling dinner, this casserole rises to the occasion.

It’s one of those rare recipes that feels indulgent but supports your wellness goals—and that’s why it stands out. Add it to your weeknight rotation, and it just might become a new family favorite.