This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect harmony of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors in one hearty dish. The seasoned ground beef is beautifully complemented by tender, caramelized sweet potatoes, while hints of cumin, paprika, and chili powder add depth and warmth. With a touch of melted cheese and fresh herbs for garnish, this skillet meal is as delicious as it is satisfying.
Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy households. It’s quick to make, packed with protein and fiber, and only requires one pan making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just looking for a nutritious, fuss-free dinner, this skillet will quickly become a staple in your home.
Full Recipe:
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
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in 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 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, 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.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet – A Nutritious One-Pan Meal
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal that satisfies the entire family, this Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect choice. Packed with protein, fiber, and a rich combination of flavors, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner, this skillet meal checks all the boxes.
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its one-pan preparation, which makes it a time-saving, easy-to-clean-up meal. With the balance of savory ground beef, the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, and the aromatic blend of spices, this dish delivers a satisfying depth of flavor that is both comforting and healthy. Plus, it’s highly customizable whether you want to make it spicier, add more vegetables, or swap out ingredients for dietary preferences, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. One-Pan Simplicity
No one enjoys spending hours in the kitchen cleaning up after cooking. That’s why one-skillet meals like this ground beef and sweet potato dish are so appealing. Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning fewer dishes to wash and less kitchen mess to deal with.
2. Packed with Nutrition
This recipe is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a well-balanced combination of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Ground beef provides high-quality protein and iron, essential for muscle growth and energy production, while sweet potatoes contribute fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health and immune support.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a working professional, a student, or a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, you’ll appreciate the convenience of this meal. It delivers big flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen.
4. Family-Friendly
This dish is kid-approved and loved by adults alike. The slight sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory beef, making it appealing even to picky eaters. You can also easily adjust the spice level to make it milder or spicier based on your family’s preference.
5. Budget-Friendly
Ground beef and sweet potatoes are both affordable, widely available ingredients, making this dish a cost-effective option for feeding a family. Even with the optional add-ins like cheese, black beans, or bell peppers, it remains an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Health Benefits of This Dish
Every ingredient in this ground beef and sweet potato skillet serves a purpose beyond just taste. This dish is a perfect example of how you can eat well without sacrificing flavor.
Lean Ground Beef – A great source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for muscle development, brain function, and sustained energy. Opting for lean beef ensures a good balance between nutrition and flavor while keeping saturated fat content in check.
Sweet Potatoes – These vibrant root vegetables are loaded with fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support gut health, skin health, and immunity. They also provide slow-digesting carbs that help maintain steady energy levels.
Garlic & Onion – These two aromatic staples are not only used for flavor but also contain antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. Garlic has been shown to help fight inflammation, while onions support heart health.
Olive Oil – A heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor while providing beneficial monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder) – These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish while enhancing digestion, boosting metabolism, and reducing inflammation.
Optional Additions (Bell Peppers, Black Beans, Cheese, Fresh Herbs) – These ingredients further enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the dish. Bell peppers add extra vitamin C, black beans contribute more fiber and protein, and cheese adds a creamy finish with additional calcium.
How to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about this ground beef and sweet potato skillet is its flexibility. Here are some easy ways to customize it to fit your dietary preferences or to use up what you have in your kitchen:
- Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Add More Vegetables: Toss in spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Use Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Make it Low-Carb: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a keto-friendly version.
- Turn it into a Breakfast Dish: Add a fried or poached egg on top for a hearty morning meal.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet meal can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few serving ideas to elevate your dining experience:
Topped with Avocado or Guacamole – The creamy texture of avocado complements the spices beautifully and adds healthy fats for a more satisfying meal.
Served with a Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a lemon or balsamic dressing balances the richness of the beef and sweet potatoes.
Paired with Warm Bread or Tortillas – Serve with a crusty loaf of bread, cornbread, or tortillas for a complete, comforting meal.
Over Rice or Quinoa – For extra heartiness, serve the skillet mixture over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
With a Fried Egg on Top – A runny egg yolk creates a delicious sauce that enhances the flavors even more.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
One of the best things about this dish is that it stores and reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal, preparing a healthy lunch for the next day, or simply looking for a comforting, wholesome dish to enjoy, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
With its one-pan simplicity, customizable nature, and balanced nutrition, it’s a meal that you can turn to time and time again. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also provides essential nutrients to keep you feeling full and energized.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this ground beef and sweet potato skillet a try you won’t be disappointed!