Let me tell you, this ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a total game-changer! It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of savory ground beef and sweet, tender sweet potatoes makes for a hearty meal that’s not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma wafting through the kitchen had everyone gathering around, eager to dig in. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy! Seriously, you’ll want to add this to your weeknight rotation—it’s that good!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is super simple and comes together in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table that your family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want that oil nice and hot to get everything sizzling!
- Once the oil’s shimmering, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Ah, this is where the magic begins!
- Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—1 lb of ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with your spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Next up, toss in the diced sweet potatoes and bell pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for around 10 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. We want those sweet potatoes tender!
- Season your skillet with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to coat everything in those lovely spices.
- Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If you find they’re not cooking fast enough, feel free to add a splash of water to help them along!
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Now, dig in and enjoy this hearty dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: This skillet dish is packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the sweet potatoes, making it a filling meal that keeps you energized.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your meal! Everything cooks in the same skillet, which I absolutely love.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like paprika and cumin enhances the savory beef and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to whip up something fast.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and minerals, and when paired with lean ground beef, you’ve got a balanced meal that’s good for you!
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste. It’s versatile, so you can make it your own!
Tips for Success
To make sure your ground beef and sweet potato skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip on browning the ground beef well—it adds so much flavor! If you want an extra kick, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning. Also, be patient with the sweet potatoes; if they’re not cooking fast enough, adding a splash of water can really help them soften up. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially as the sweet potatoes cook down. And remember, fresh herbs like parsley not only look beautiful, but they’ll also brighten up the dish with fresh flavor. Enjoy the cooking process and adjust the spices to suit your taste—this dish is all about you!
Variations
This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is such a fantastic base, and the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. They’ll add a lovely freshness to the dish!
- Different Proteins: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or black beans for a delicious twist.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices! Try adding chili powder for a kick, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. A dash of smoked paprika can also give it that extra depth!
- Sweet Potato Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in other root vegetables like parsnips or carrots. They’ll bring their own sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: For cheese lovers, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it melt into a gooey, delicious topping!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro, thyme, or rosemary can add a lovely aroma and flavor. Just toss them in towards the end of cooking for that vibrant freshness.
Feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand! This skillet is all about making it your own and enjoying the process of cooking.
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to nutritional information, it’s important to remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always encourage everyone to check labels and adjust based on your preferences! While I can’t provide exact nutritional values for this ground beef and sweet potato skillet, I can tell you it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors while nourishing your body with this hearty dish!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious ground beef and sweet potato skillet, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a complete meal! Trust me, the right sides can take your dinner to the next level.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is perfect for balancing the richness of the skillet. It adds a refreshing crunch that complements the hearty dish beautifully.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: These vibrant veggies are not only nutritious but also add a lovely splash of color to your plate. Just steam them lightly to keep their crunch and bright flavor.
- Crusty Bread: If you love a little carb action, serve some crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side. They’re perfect for scooping up those tasty bits from the skillet!
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices can be a delightful topping. Just sprinkle a little lime juice and salt for an extra flavor boost. It pairs wonderfully with the spices in the dish.
- Quinoa or Rice: For a heartier meal, serve your skillet over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. This adds extra fiber and makes it even more filling!
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top can add a cool, creamy element that balances the spices and adds a nice richness.
Mix and match these suggestions based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. The beauty of this skillet is that it pairs well with so many options, making it a versatile go-to for any night of the week!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat in this skillet?
Absolutely! While I love the richness of ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require varying cooking times.
What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
No worries! If sweet potatoes aren’t in your pantry, you can use regular potatoes, but keep in mind they might take a bit longer to cook. Alternatively, you could use butternut squash or even carrots for a different flavor and texture!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you season the skillet. A splash of hot sauce right before serving can also give it that extra zing!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is perfect for meal prep. Just cook it up, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, you can check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in exploring more ground beef recipes, visit this ground beef recipe collection.
Print
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet: 7 Hearty Delights
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty ground beef and sweet potato skillet dish that combines savory flavors and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in the ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add sweet potatoes and bell pepper, cook for about 10 minutes.
- Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce.
- This dish can be served with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ground beef, sweet potato, skillet
