Description
Tender roasted sweet potato rounds are layered with savory ground beef, spinach and tomato, then topped with bubbling golden mozzarella. This hearty high-protein sweet potato bake makes a satisfying all-in-one dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Beef Filling
- 500 g ground beef
- ½ red onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 handful spinach
Topping
- 100 g grated mozzarella
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan (approximately 425°F).
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds.
- Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cinnamon and salt.
- Arrange in a single layer on a baking tray and roast for approximately 20–25 minutes, until tender and lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef and diced red onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Italian herbs and paprika. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish. Layer the roasted sweet potatoes and beef mixture, repeating until the ingredients are used.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake until the filling is hot and the mozzarella is melted, bubbling and golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes
- Slice the sweet potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook at the same rate. Very thick slices may remain firm after baking.
- Do not skip the initial roasting step. Pre-roasting gives the sweet potatoes a head start and helps create tender, evenly cooked layers.
- Avoid adding too much moisture to the beef filling. Excess liquid from the spinach or other ingredients can make the finished bake soggy.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to portion.
- Protein swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked lentils.
- Cheese swaps: Cheddar or another good melting cheese can replace the mozzarella.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, bell peppers or chili flakes are easy ways to customize the filling.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating for the best texture.
- Best reheating: Reheat until piping hot throughout. The oven or air fryer works especially well when you want to bring back some of the texture on the cheesy top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven + skillet
- Cuisine: Contemporary