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.