Craving that cozy, cheesy casserole from your pre-keto days? The one with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy little tots that made any night feel special? Get ready to enjoy that classic comfort food with a keto-friendly twist. While sweet potatoes aren’t zero-carb, using them in moderation as golden, crispy tots brings that nostalgic texture without disrupting your macros. This Sweet Potato-Tot Casserole is gooey, beefy, and absolutely satisfying.
Why does this recipe stand out? It tastes indulgent but fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle. Packed with healthy fats and protein from juicy ground beef and melty cheese, and using sweet potato tots strategically to keep carbs in check, it delivers a feel-good, flavor-packed meal. Forget bland cauliflower substitutes—this casserole truly shines.
Key Ingredients that Make a Difference
- Sweet Potato Tots: Lower in carbs than regular potatoes and full of flavor, these tots add a crispy, nostalgic topping without going overboard. Choose pre-made frozen tots with clean ingredients to save time and maintain quality.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 grass-fed beef for the perfect balance of flavor, fat, and nutrition.
- Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, cheese binds everything together and creates that irresistible melt.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper elevate this dish from good to unforgettable.
The Texture That Satisfies
The magic is in the texture—creamy, cheesy beef blends with just-crispy-enough sweet potato tots, delivering rich yet balanced comfort food. Not exactly your classic tater tot casserole, but a satisfying, keto-friendly alternative you’ll love.
Pro Tips to Perfect Your Casserole
- Pre-bake your tots to keep them crispy.
- Season the beef carefully, tasting as you go.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for extra flair.
- Cook beef thoroughly before layering.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This casserole is a weeknight hero—make it ahead, freeze it, and reheat to keep those tots crispy. Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep lunches, it pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or roasted veggies.
So go ahead, pour a keto-friendly drink, and enjoy this comforting, crave-worthy casserole that’s as smart as it is delicious.
Sweet Potato-Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
Equipment
- large skillet
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
For the beef layer
- 1 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef preferably grass-fed
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1/2 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
For the creamy cheese mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened, full-fat
- 1/2 cup sour cream full-fat
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
For the topping
- 8 ounces frozen sweet potato tots choose a brand with no added sugar or flour; about 24 to 28 tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, for drizzling over tots
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the frozen sweet potato tots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they begin to crisp, then remove and set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter, then add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through, then drain off any excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, then mix until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the creamy cheese mixture into the skillet with the seasoned beef and stir until the beef is evenly coated and the mixture is hot and cohesive.
- Transfer the cheesy beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the beef layer to create a cheesy topping base under the tots.
- Arrange the pre-baked sweet potato tots in a tight, even layer over the cheese, placing them upright for maximum crispiness if possible.
- Drizzle the olive oil lightly over the sweet potato tots to help them crisp and brown in the oven.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling around the edges and the tots are deeply golden and crisp on top.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set slightly before serving so that slices hold together better.
- Garnish the top with chopped fresh parsley, then slice into six portions and serve with a simple green salad or roasted low-carb vegetables if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
