Ground Beef, Spinach and Sweet Potato Bake

If you find yourself stuck in a dinner rut with the same old ground beef recipes, this dish offers a fresh and satisfying alternative. Combining hearty ground beef, nutrient-packed spinach, and sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, this bake brings together flavors and textures that transform a simple meal into something special. The creamy cilantro avocado drizzle adds a bright, tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully.

This recipe is easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Here’s how to make this delicious ground beef, spinach, and sweet potato bake with a creamy cilantro avocado drizzle that will change the way you think about ground beef dinners.

Ground Beef Spinach and Sweet Potato Bake with Creamy Cilantro Avocado Drizzle

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bake

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into cubes

• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach

• 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese

  
  

Beef Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Or 1 taco seasoning packet

  
  

Fresh Toppings

• Sliced jalapeños

• Sliced scallions

• Avocado slices

  
  

Creamy Cilantro Avocado Greek Yogurt Dressing

• 1 ripe avocado

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed

• 1 small clove garlic

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• Optional: 1 seeded jalapeño for spice

• Optional: ½ teaspoon cumin

  
  
  
  

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat them evenly. Spread the cubes in a single layer in a baking dish. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender on the inside and lightly crisp on the edges. Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely texture to the bake.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Spinach

While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, or use a taco seasoning packet for convenience. Stir well to combine the spices with the beef.

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down, which should take just a couple of minutes. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor and a boost of nutrients to the dish.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon the seasoned ground beef and spinach mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

This step brings all the flavors together and creates a comforting, cheesy finish that makes this bake irresistible.

Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings

After baking, add a few fresh toppings to brighten the dish. Sprinkle sliced jalapeños and scallions for a bit of heat and crunch. Add extra cilantro if you like a fresh herbal note. These toppings add layers of flavor and texture that complement the rich beef and sweet potatoes.

Step 5: Drizzle with Creamy Cilantro Avocado Dressing

The final touch is the creamy cilantro avocado Greek yogurt dressing. Blend the avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add water gradually to reach a drizzle-able consistency. For a spicy kick, include a seeded jalapeño and cumin.

Drizzle this sauce generously over the bake just before serving. It adds a cool, tangy contrast that balances the warm, savory flavors of the dish.

Why This Bake Changes Ground Beef Dinners

This recipe stands out because it combines simple ingredients in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and fiber, while spinach boosts the vitamin content. The creamy avocado drizzle adds healthy fats and a burst of flavor that lifts the entire dish.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste. Swap mozzarella for your favorite cheese, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level with jalapeños. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Tips for Success

• Cut sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they roast uniformly.

• Don’t skip draining the beef if it releases a lot of grease; this keeps the bake from becoming oily.

• Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor. Frozen spinach can be used but drain it well before adding.

• Make the dressing ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two days. It also works great as a dip or salad dressing.

• Customize toppings to your preference: diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn can add more color and nutrition.

  
  

This ground beef, spinach, and sweet potato bake with creamy cilantro avocado drizzle is a simple way to bring variety and nutrition to your dinner table. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to make, perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their weeknight meals. Try it tonight and discover how a few fresh ingredients can transform your ground beef dinners into something you look forward to.