Sweet Potato and Beef Casserole

This hearty Sweet Potato and Beef Casserole combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory ground beef, creating a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners. The layers of flavor come from the addition of spices and herbs, making it both traditional and slightly creative. It's gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, mixing well with the beef mixture.
5. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sweet potato slices at the bottom.
6. Spread the beef mixture over the sweet potatoes, then layer the remaining sweet potato slices on top.
7. Pour the beef broth over the entire dish and cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.