Imagine a dish that combines the rich, warming spices of Indian cuisine with the hearty comfort of a home-cooked meal. This Make Ahead Baked Curried Beef and Sweet Potato is not just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. With its perfect blend of tender ground beef, creamy sweet potatoes, and aromatic curry spices, this one-pan wonder will transport you to a world of flavor while keeping your meal prep incredibly simple!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the beef for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Sprinkle curry powder over the beef and onion mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat and release the spices' aromatics. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes to begin softening the sweet potatoes.
- Pour the coconut milk into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Season with salt to taste and mix well.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and flavors to meld.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions before serving. Can be served over rice or with naan bread.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh curry powder and toast it briefly in the skillet to release its full aromatic potential.
- Choose a sweet potato with a deep orange color for the richest flavor and most vibrant presentation.
- Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly – this develops a deeper, more complex flavor profile for the entire dish.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute lean ground beef or even ground turkey without sacrificing taste.
- Prep this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking – it's an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day!
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut to add extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
