Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Zesty Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Spiralized sweet potato adds a vibrant twist to this hearty enchilada casserole that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Crisp vegetable noodles create unexpected layers of texture and flavor.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together in a comforting one-pan meal.

Spices weave through each bite, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Nutritious and satisfying, this dish brings excitement to your weeknight cooking.

Home cooks seeking something different will absolutely love this creative approach.

Let’s unpack the magic of this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole Treat

  • Boost Veggie Intake: Transform spiralized sweet potatoes into a delicious, nutritious base that adds extra vegetables to your meal without feeling like you're eating a salad.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for turkey, tofu, or beans to match dietary preferences, making this recipe adaptable for various eating styles and restrictions.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple assembly mean you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple dirty dishes.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines kid-friendly flavors like cheese and chicken with hidden nutritious ingredients, creating a balanced meal that everyone from children to adults will love.

Ingredients to Prepare Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A lean protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the casserole.
Vegetable Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious spiralized vegetable that serves as the base of the casserole.
  • Black Beans, Corn: Hearty vegetables that provide additional texture and nutritional value.
Flavor and Topping Ingredients:
  • Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that brings traditional Mexican-inspired flavors to the dish.
  • Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds richness and a creamy texture to the casserole.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright, crisp flavor and visual appeal.
  • Avocado, Sour Cream: Creamy toppings that provide a cool contrast to the warm casserole.
Cooking Accessories:
  • Cooking Spray: Used to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from the baking dish.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps to retain moisture and prevent excessive browning during baking.

How to Make Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Crank up your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and give it a light spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Black beans
  • Corn

Gently mix everything together. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Give it a quick stir to ensure all ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread the spiralized sweet potato strands across the bottom of the prepared dish.

Pour the chicken mixture evenly over the sweet potato base. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top to create a golden, melty layer.

Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The goal is bubbling cheese and tender sweet potatoes.

For the final 10 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese get slightly crispy and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier. Top with fresh garnishes:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sliced avocado
  • Chopped parsley
  • A dollop of sour cream

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips to Perfect Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole

  • Spiralize sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking and better texture throughout the casserole.
  • Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
  • Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance flavor and add a vibrant touch to the final presentation.
  • Ensure sweet potato noodles are not too thick to prevent uneven cooking and maintain desired consistency.

Variations to Refresh Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole

  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace shredded chicken with black beans or tofu for a plant-based protein option.
  • Zucchini Noodle Alternative: Substitute spiralized sweet potatoes with zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carb version.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivity.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Replace shredded cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly casserole.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole

  • Craft a tangy margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave nectar to complement the enchilada casserole's Mexican-inspired flavors.
  • Select a light, clean Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and cut through its hearty texture.
  • Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, water, and a hint of honey for a refreshing, herbaceous drink that echoes the casserole's vibrant ingredients.

Storage Guidelines for Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

  • What are spiralized sweet potatoes?

Spiralized sweet potatoes are vegetable noodles created by using a spiralizer tool that transforms whole sweet potatoes into long, pasta-like strands, offering a low-carb alternative to traditional noodles or pasta.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute shredded chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or even make it vegetarian by using additional beans or plant-based protein alternatives.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, this dish is nutritionally balanced. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, chicken offers lean protein, and black beans contribute additional protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal option.

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Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spiralized sweet potato enchilada casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table. Layers of spicy sauce, tender vegetables, and melted cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, spiralized
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 6 oz colby jack cheese or cheese blend, shredded
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans with no salt added, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 0.5 avocado, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • parsley, for garnish
  • sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn. Mix thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  3. Prepare a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish by lightly coating with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Layer the spiralized sweet potato noodles evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a vibrant base for the casserole.
  5. Gently spread the chicken and vegetable mixture over the sweet potato layer, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a melty, golden covering for the casserole.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the sweet potatoes become tender and the cheese melts completely.
  9. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
  11. Garnish with fresh green onions, sliced avocado, chopped parsley, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Notes

  • Spiralize sweet potatoes with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and flavor profile.
  • Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to reduce overall calorie count and accommodate different dietary preferences.
  • Consider adding extra spices like cumin or chili powder to enhance the enchilada-style taste and provide more depth to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: thirty-two g
  • Fiber: six g
  • Protein: twenty-four g
  • Cholesterol: sixty mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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