Who doesn’t love a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that comes together in one pan?
Our ground beef and sweet potato skillet is just that!
This skillet dish combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a hearty meal that’s guaranteed to impress!
Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this mouthwatering skillet, you’ll need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup beef broth or water, if needed
- Optional: 1 bell pepper, diced
- Optional: 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools Required
Before we start cooking, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Once the beef is browned, add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet.
- Sprinkle cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine.
- If the sweet potatoes are not softening or the skillet seems dry, add up to 1 cup of beef broth or water. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- If using bell peppers or black beans, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of This Skillet Meal
This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is not just delicious – it’s nutritious too! Here’s why:
- High-quality protein from ground beef supports muscle growth and repair
- Complex carbohydrates and fiber from sweet potatoes provide sustained energy
- Vitamins A and C from sweet potatoes boost immune function and skin health
- Iron from beef supports healthy blood cells and prevents anemia
- Balanced macronutrients make for a complete and satisfying meal
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Want to take your skillet game to the next level? Try these pro tips:
- Choose 90% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and nutrition
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – everyone’s palate is different!
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this skillet is its versatility! Here are some ideas to mix it up:
- Go vegetarian by swapping ground beef for plant-based crumbles
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost
- Try using regular potatoes or a mix of sweet and white potatoes
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or feta for unique flavors
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your meal complete with these serving ideas:
- Garnish with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced green onions
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad
- Pair with a light beer or a fruity red wine for the adults
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – it reheats beautifully!
There you have it, folks! Our ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a game-changer for busy households looking for a nutritious, delicious meal without the fuss.
With its perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies, this one-pan wonder is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can easily adapt it to your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we’d love to see how you’ve made this skillet meal your own. Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be sure to add a bit more oil when cooking as it’s lower in fat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten-free. Always check your specific ingredients to be sure.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Certainly! It reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup beef broth or water if needed
- Optional: 1 bell pepper diced
- Optional: 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, peel and cube the sweet potatoes into ½-inch pieces.
- Once the beef is browned, add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet.
- Sprinkle cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine.
- If the sweet potatoes are not softening or the skillet seems dry, add up to 1 cup of beef broth or water. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- If using bell peppers or black beans, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated (if used), remove the lid. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let any excess moisture evaporate.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.