Nestled at the intersection of comfort and nutrition, this spiralized sweet potato enchilada casserole packs a vibrant punch of flavor and wholesome goodness.
Spiralizing sweet potatoes creates delicate, pasta-like ribbons that twist through layers of melted cheese and zesty enchilada sauce.
Each bite promises a delightful dance of textures that will make traditional enchiladas seem bland by comparison.
The recipe reimagines classic Mexican-inspired cuisine with a clever, veggie-forward twist that keeps you coming back for more.
Spicy, cheesy, and surprisingly light, this casserole turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a celebration of bold flavors.
Tender sweet potato noodles mingle with rich sauce and perfectly seasoned fillings, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Get ready to fall in love with a new dinner favorite that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole
For Protein Base:
Shredded Chicken: Tender and lean protein that adds substantial flavor and richness to the casserole, best when using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum moisture.
Black Beans: Hearty legume providing plant-based protein and creamy texture, choose low-sodium varieties for better control of salt content.
Corn: Sweet kernel that introduces subtle crunch and natural sweetness, frozen or canned corn work perfectly.
For Main Vegetable Base:
Sweet Potatoes: Nutrient-dense spiralized vegetable creating a low-carb noodle alternative, select firm potatoes with smooth skin for best spiralizing results.
For Binding and Flavor:
Enchilada Sauce: Zesty sauce that infuses the dish with authentic Mexican-inspired taste, choose red or green based on personal preference.
Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, crispy layer, select a blend like Mexican or cheddar for optimal gooeyness.
For Garnish and Freshness:
Green Onions: Mild, sharp herb adding brightness and color to the final dish.
Avocado: Creamy topping introducing healthy fats and smooth texture.
Parsley: Fresh herb providing subtle earthy notes and visual appeal.
Sour Cream: Tangy, cool topping balancing the warm casserole flavors.
For Seasoning:
Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the dish.
Tool Needed for Spiralized Sweet Potato Casserole
Spiralizer: Essential tool for creating long, noodle-like sweet potato strands.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining chicken, sauce, beans, and corn.
9 x 13 inch casserole dish: Ideal baking pan for layering ingredients.
Aluminum foil: Helps cover and steam the casserole during baking.
Measuring spoons: Useful for seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese if needed.
Cutting board: For chopping green onions and preparing toppings.
Sharp knife: Helps with precise ingredient preparation.
How to Assemble and Bake the Enchilada Casserole
Colorful Sweet Potato Enchilada Stack
Oven Preparation Warm the kitchen with a toasty 400-degree heat setting, creating the perfect environment for a delicious meal.
Flavor Fusion In a spacious mixing bowl, combine tender shredded chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, hearty black beans, and sweet corn kernels. Sprinkle in a touch of seasoning to elevate the taste profile.
Layering Magic Grab a generous casserole dish and give it a light spray. Spread out spiralized sweet potato ribbons as the foundation, then generously pour the vibrant chicken mixture over the top. Blanket the creation with a generous layer of melty cheese.
Baking Brilliance Tuck the dish into the heated oven, covering it snugly with foil. Let it transform for about an hour, watching the cheese bubble and the sweet potatoes soften into perfection. Uncover for the final moments to achieve a golden, crispy top.
Finishing Touches Allow the casserole to settle and cool slightly. Dress it up with a sprinkle of fresh green onions, creamy avocado slices, bright parsley, and a dollop of cool sour cream to complete this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Flavor Tweaks & Additions for Sweet Potato Casserole
Swap shredded chicken with ground turkey, black beans, or plant-based protein for a personalized twist on this delicious dish.
Use a sharp spiralizer and apply gentle pressure to create consistent sweet potato noodles that cook evenly and maintain a perfect texture.
Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or red pepper flakes to boost heat and create a more complex flavor profile that tingles your taste buds.
Incorporate additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add more colorful layers to the casserole.
Best Ways to Serve This Casserole
Mexican Fiesta Night: Transform this casserole into a vibrant dinner experience with colorful side dishes like zesty cilantro lime rice or crisp green salad.
Fresh Garnish Explosion: Elevate the dish's flavor profile by adding extra fresh toppings such as chopped jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or crumbled queso fresco for a delightful texture contrast.
Brunch Remix: Serve this hearty casserole with a sunny-side-up egg on top, creating a protein-packed morning meal that combines breakfast and dinner flavors in one delicious dish.
Meal Prep Champion: Divide the casserole into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, ensuring a nutritious and satisfying midday meal that keeps you energized.
Saving Spiralized Sweet Potato Casserole
Refrigerator Readiness: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious the next day.
Freezer Friendly Portion: Wrap individual servings or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken mixture and spiralized sweet potatoes in advance. Keep components separate in sealed containers for quick assembly during busy weeknights. This strategy saves time and reduces kitchen stress.
Reheating Wisdom: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra enchilada sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Mexican-inspired spiralized sweet potato enchilada casserole combines roasted vegetables and zesty spices for a nourishing meal. Hearty layers blend creamy cheese, tender sweet potato noodles, and rich enchilada sauce, providing you a comforting dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups chicken, shredded
2 medium sweet potatoes, spiralized
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can corn, drained
2 cups red enchilada sauce
6 oz (170 g) Colby jack cheese or cheese blend, shredded
1 green onion, chopped
½ avocado, chopped
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Parsley, for garnish
Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
Preparation: Grease a baking dish and preheat oven to 400°F, creating an ideal environment for layering spiralized sweet potato noodles as the foundational base.
Chicken Mixture: Combine shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, incorporating black beans and corn, then season thoroughly with salt, pepper, and preferred spices to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
Layering: Spread spiralized sweet potato noodles uniformly across the baking dish, then carefully distribute the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
Cheese Topping: Generously blanket the casserole with shredded cheese, which will transform into a golden, crispy layer during baking.
Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, removing the foil during the final 10 minutes to allow the cheese to caramelize and develop a tempting golden-brown crust.
Finishing Touches: Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes after removing from the oven, then embellish with fresh green onions, creamy avocado slices, chopped parsley, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance visual appeal and complement the dish’s robust flavors.
Notes
Spiralize with Precision: Use a sharp spiralizer and apply consistent pressure to create uniform sweet potato noodles that cook evenly and provide the perfect base texture.
Layer Strategically: Spread sweet potato noodles tightly to prevent excess moisture and ensure a firm, non-soggy foundation for the casserole.
Moisture Management: Pat chicken and vegetables dry before mixing to prevent watery filling and maintain the casserole’s structural integrity.
Cheese Melting Tip: Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for enhanced flavor complexity and superior melting performance.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.