Pioneer Woman Cheesy Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Casserole

Directions

• Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Then set it aside while you work on the filling.
• Spiralize the sweet potatoes: Peel and spiralize 2 medium-large sweet potatoes, chopping a bit to shorten any very long strands. If you don't have a spiralizer, dice them into small cubes instead.
• Brown the beef: In an extra-large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, brown 1 lb. lean ground beef with 1 large diced onion, breaking up any large chunks. Once the pink is almost gone, stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Add the vegetables: Stir in 1 large diced red bell pepper, 1 cup frozen corn and the sweet potato. That gets everything evenly mixed before the liquids go in.
• Season and simmer: Add 1 can black beans, 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, 2 cups chunky salsa, 2 tsp. chili powder, 2 tsp. ground cumin, 1 tsp. smoked paprika, 1 tsp. dried Mexican oregano, 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring a few times, until the sweet potato has softened.
• Build the first layer: Spread 2 cups of the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then layer tortilla chips on top, slightly overlapping them.
• Add beef and cheese: Drop half of the remaining beef mixture by spoonfuls over the chips and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the 8 oz. Mexican cheese blend and half of the 4 oz. pepper jack over the top.
• Finish the layers: Top with another layer of tortilla chips, then the remaining beef mixture. Finish with the rest of both cheeses.
• Bake covered: Cover the pan loosely with foil so it doesn't touch the cheese, then bake for about 30 minutes. It's ready when the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated throughout.
• Broil and serve: Remove the foil, place the pan under the broiler and broil until the cheese browns the way you like it. Top with sliced green onion and chopped cilantro, then serve right away with salsa, guacamole or sour cream.