For years, weeknight dinners at our house were a bit of a… well, let’s just say a creative challenge. Between soccer practices, homework battles, and the general chaos of family life, finding time for a meal that was both healthy and appealing to everyone (including the picky eaters!) felt like searching for a culinary unicorn. Then, I stumbled upon the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe, and honestly, it was a game changer. From the first sizzling sound of the beef browning in the pan to the final satisfying forkful, this dish has become a beloved staple in our rotation. The kids devour the slightly sweet and tender sweet potatoes, even when they’re “not in the mood for vegetables,” and my husband and I appreciate the hearty, flavorful combination that’s both comforting and packed with goodness. It’s quick to throw together, uses simple ingredients we usually have on hand, and cleanup is a breeze with just one skillet to wash. If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious, and family-friendly meal that simplifies your busy weeknights, look no further. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and satisfying skillet meal. We’ve kept the ingredient list simple and wholesome, focusing on fresh produce and lean protein to deliver a dish that’s both delicious and good for you.

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef (90% lean or higher recommended). Provides a rich, savory base and essential protein.
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes. Adds natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a boost of vitamins and fiber.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Lends aromatic depth and savory flavor to the dish.
• Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color), cored, seeded, and chopped. Contributes sweetness, crunch, and additional vitamins.
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced. Infuses the skillet with pungent, aromatic flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil. Used for sautéing and adding healthy fats.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste). Creates a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended). Adds moisture and helps to steam the sweet potatoes to tenderness.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; green onions, sliced; shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack); sour cream or Greek yogurt; avocado slices. Enhance the dish with fresh flavors, creamy textures, and visual appeal.

Instructions: Cooking Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet that’s ready in under an hour. We’ve broken down the process into clear, easy-to-follow instructions, perfect for even beginner cooks.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Chop the onion and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Having all your ingredients ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or oven-safe) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Browning the beef first adds depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Bell Pepper: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Sautéing these aromatics builds a flavorful base for the skillet.
4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Introduce the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the spices. The spices will infuse the sweet potatoes and ground beef with a delicious Southwestern-inspired flavor.
5. Simmer and Steam: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Simmering in broth allows the sweet potatoes to cook through and absorb the flavors of the spices and broth, while the covered skillet creates steam that helps them become perfectly tender.
6. Check for Doneness and Adjust Seasoning: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high if there is excess liquid in the skillet. Cook uncovered for a few minutes to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate and the sauce to slightly thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference. This step ensures the skillet isn’t watery and allows you to customize the flavor profile.
7. Serve and Garnish (Optional): Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is now ready to serve! Ladle generous portions into bowls or plates. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh parsley or cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or avocado slices. Garnishes add freshness, flavor, and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet (Per Serving)

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a general nutritional estimate per serving (based on 4 servings and using 90% lean ground beef; actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes):

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
• Protein: 35g

Note: These values are estimates and should be used as a general guide. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights! From start to finish, you can have a wholesome and flavorful meal on the table in under an hour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (chopping vegetables, measuring spices)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (browning beef, sautéing vegetables, simmering)
• Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

This quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when time is limited. You can even save time by prepping the vegetables ahead of time, such as chopping them the night before or purchasing pre-diced sweet potatoes.

How to Serve Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This versatile skillet meal can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Classic Bowl: Serve it as is in bowls for a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal. This is the simplest and most straightforward way to enjoy the skillet.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the skillet mixture over cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) or quinoa for added grains and texture. This creates a more substantial and balanced meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter and lower-carb option, serve the skillet mixture in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine). This is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the flavors.
• Stuffed into Bell Peppers: Halve bell peppers lengthwise, remove seeds, and stuff them with the skillet mixture. Bake in the oven until peppers are tender for a complete and colorful meal.
• With Tortillas: Warm tortillas (corn or flour) and serve the skillet mixture inside for delicious and customizable tacos or burritos. Add your favorite taco toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
• Topped on Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the skillet mixture, shredded cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly for a fun and shareable appetizer or meal.
• Alongside a Salad: Pair the skillet with a simple green salad or a vibrant slaw for a balanced and refreshing meal. The salad adds lightness and freshness to complement the richness of the skillet.
• With a Side of Cornbread: Serve alongside warm cornbread or biscuits for a comforting and Southern-inspired meal. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory skillet.

Additional Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Elevate your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with these helpful tips and variations:

1. Choose Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90% lean or higher ground beef to minimize grease and keep the dish healthier. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
2. Uniformly Dice Sweet Potatoes: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become tender at the same time. Larger pieces may take longer to cook.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Use a large enough skillet to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the ingredients instead of browning them. If needed, cook the beef in batches.
4. Customize the Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add more chili powder for extra heat, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also experiment with other spice blends like taco seasoning or Italian seasoning.
5. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as diced zucchini, mushrooms, corn kernels, or black beans. Get creative and use what you have on hand.
6. Make it Spicy: For a spicier skillet, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño pepper (seeded for less heat), or a dash of hot sauce.
7. Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color. The greens will wilt down quickly.
8. Make it Ahead: This skillet is great for meal prepping! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or skillet when ready to serve. The flavors often meld together even better overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Have questions about making the perfect Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet? We’ve got you covered with answers to some common queries:

Q1: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

A: While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for best texture, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes in a pinch. Add them directly to the skillet, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly as they will release more moisture.

Q2: Can I make this skillet vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, easily! To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with lentils, crumbled tempeh, or plant-based ground beef crumbles. For a vegan version, ensure you are using plant-based ground beef alternative and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Q4: Can I freeze this skillet meal?

A: Yes, this skillet freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q5: What if I don’t have chicken broth?

A: You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, beef broth, or even water in a pinch. Broth adds more flavor, but water will still work to steam the sweet potatoes.

Q6: Can I bake this in the oven instead of cooking on the stovetop?

A: Yes, you can bake it! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and peppers on the stovetop, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish. Add the sweet potatoes, spices, and broth. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this skillet?

A: Absolutely! Shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack would be delicious sprinkled over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking or as a garnish. You can also broil it briefly to melt the cheese and make it bubbly.

Q8: What are some other spice variations I can try?

A: Get creative with spices! Try adding smoked paprika, curry powder, Italian seasoning, or a Cajun spice blend for different flavor profiles. You can also add a bay leaf while simmering for extra depth of flavor.

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