Sweet Potato-Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

This Sweet Potato-Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a keto-friendly twist on classic tater tot casserole, featuring a rich, savory ground beef layer, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy topping of portion-controlled sweet potato tots to keep carbs in check. Using grass-fed ground beef, a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, and simple pantry spices, this baked casserole delivers gooey, beefy comfort with just enough sweet potato crunch for nostalgia without blowing your macros. It is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or casual gatherings, and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted low-carb veggies for a complete, satisfying keto meal.

Course Casserole, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Keto

Keyword ground beef casserole, keto casserole, low carb comfort food, meal prep, sweet potato tot casserole

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 520kcal

Equipment

large skillet
9x13-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 9x13 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

To keep this casserole keto-friendly, use a food scale to portion the sweet potato tots and stick to the listed amount, avoiding brands with added sugar, flour, or starchy fillers that can increase carbs significantly. If you prefer an even lower carb count, reduce the tots to 6 ounces and fill any gaps with extra shredded cheese. This dish reheats well, so store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer to re-crisp the tots. For freezing, assemble the casserole through adding the cheese layer, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze, then add the tots just before baking so they stay crisp. Always calculate net carbs based on the specific brand of sweet potato tots you use, as nutritional values can vary.

Nutrition