Loaded Lamb and Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those dinners that feels hearty and comforting, but still simple enough for a busy night. I love making this when the sea air turns cool and everyone comes home hungry. It is warm, filling, and full of flavor without being fussy. The sweet potatoes turn soft and creamy, the lamb gets rich and savory, and everything bakes together into one cozy dish that makes the whole kitchen smell like home.

Loaded Lamb and Sweet Potato Casserole 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This casserole checks all the right boxes for real life cooking.

It is one of those easy casseroles for dinner that looks impressive but is simple to make.
Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, so even picky eaters enjoy it, making it great for kid friendly dinners.
Ground lamb cooks quickly, which makes this perfect for quick dinner ideas.
It is hearty and budget friendly, fitting right in with cheap dinners for a family.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground lamb: Rich and flavorful, it gives the casserole its hearty base.
Sweet potatoes: They bake up soft and slightly sweet, balancing the savory lamb.
Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth as it cooks.
Garlic: Brings warm flavor to every bite.
Bell pepper: Adds color and a little crunch.
Shredded cheese: Melts on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
Olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the lamb shine.
Paprika: Adds a soft smoky touch.

Step by Step Instructions

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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds. Try to keep them about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chopped onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Add the ground lamb. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any extra fat if needed.
Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust if needed.
Layer half of the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Spoon half of the lamb mixture over the top.
Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes and lamb.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to slice.

Helpful Tips and Variations

Loaded Lamb and Sweet Potato Casserole 3

If you are short on time, you can slice the sweet potatoes the night before and store them in water in the fridge.
For a little heat, add chopped green chiles for a flavor twist inspired by Chile Relleno Casserole.
This recipe fits beautifully into healthy casserole recipes when you use lean lamb and go light on the cheese.
You can swap lamb for ground beef or turkey if that is what you have on hand.
If you love baked casserole recipes, try pairing this with a simple green salad for a full dinner ideas casserole plan.
On extra busy days, I turn to dump and go crockpot dinners, but this oven baked dish is just as simple once it is layered.

If you enjoy cozy casserole nights, you might also love my dump and bake meatball casserole or this flavorful lamb pastelon Puerto Rican style plantain casserole. For seafood lovers, my tuna casserole pasta recipe is always a favorite. And when you need something bold and filling, the spicy hobo casserole is a fun twist.

Serving and Storage

Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven, with a simple side salad or steamed green beans. A spoonful of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it feel extra special.

Loaded Lamb and Sweet Potato Casserole

Loaded Lamb and Sweet Potato Casserole is warm, cozy, and full of flavor. Soft sweet potatoes and rich lamb bake together under a layer of melty cheese. It is simple to make, filling, and perfect for busy nights when everyone wants a hearty homemade dinner.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Resting Time 10

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Casserole Base

1 lb ground lamb
2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into thin rounds
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium bell pepper chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
1 tsp paprika

Equipment

Large Skillet
Baking Dish
Aluminum Foil

Method

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground lamb and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the lamb mixture over the top. Repeat layers.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef or turkey for lamb if preferred. For added nutrition, mix in spinach or zucchini. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle in.

FAQs

Is this one of those healthy casserole recipes?

Yes, it can be. Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and vitamins, and lamb provides protein and iron. If you use lean lamb and do not overdo the cheese, this dish fits well into healthy casserole recipes. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutrition. It is hearty but still balanced. That is my favorite kind of comfort food.

Can I make this for cheap dinners for a family?

Absolutely. Ground lamb can often be found on sale, and sweet potatoes are budget friendly. This dish stretches well and feeds a crowd. Serve it with rice or a simple salad to make it go even further. It reheats well, so nothing goes to waste. It is one of my go to cheap dinners for a family when I need something filling.

Is this good for kid friendly dinners?

Yes, it is. The sweet potatoes add a mild sweetness that kids tend to enjoy. The melted cheese on top helps too. If your little ones are unsure about lamb, you can mix it with ground beef the first time. Keep the seasoning simple and let the natural flavors shine. Most kids ask for seconds once they try it.

Can I prep this ahead for lazy dinners?

You sure can. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready, just pop it in the oven. It is perfect for lazy dinners when you want something homemade without starting from scratch at the end of the day. Sometimes a little prep makes the evening feel much calmer.

Final Thoughts from Ama

Some nights call for simple food that fills bellies and hearts at the same time. This Loaded Lamb and Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those meals. It is not fancy, and it does not need to be. It is warm, cozy, and made for sharing. Even if your layers are not perfect, it will still taste wonderful. Around here, that is more than enough.