Introduction
If you’re looking for a simple, hearty, and delicious meal that comes together quickly, look no further than this Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet! This dish is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, offering a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful. The tender ground beef pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, and when combined with a few key spices, the result is a comforting dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping a meal in advance, this skillet recipe is one that will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons to love this Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Not only is the cooking time short, but cleanup is also a breeze because everything is made in one skillet!
- Flavorful: The combination of savory ground beef, sweet potatoes, and spices creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and vitamins, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add in extra vegetables to make it your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: This skillet meal stores well in the fridge and makes for great leftovers.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild sweetness of the potatoes paired with savory beef is perfect for picky eaters.
- Comforting: The hearty, cozy flavors of this meal make it the perfect comfort food, no matter the season.
- Affordable: Simple ingredients make this an economical meal for the whole family.
Preparation Time and Cook Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 5g
Ingredients
To make this Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or your preferred choice)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: A great source of protein and flavor that makes the dish filling and satisfying.
- Sweet Potatoes: Packed with vitamins and fiber, sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet flavor and pair perfectly with the savory beef.
- Cumin and Paprika: These spices give the dish a warm, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Beef Broth: Adds moisture and richness to the dish, helping the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet:
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Heat the Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced sweet potatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Potatoes: Cook the sweet potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and starting to brown. If needed, add a splash of water to help soften them up faster.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook the beef until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Combine Everything
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, and cinnamon (if using), and stir well to coat the beef and sweet potatoes with the spices. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Final Touches
- Garnish and Serve: Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have come together, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot, and enjoy your meal!
How to Serve
This Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is versatile, so you can serve it in several different ways:
- On Its Own: It’s a perfect one-pan meal, so you can serve it as-is for a wholesome, filling dinner.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the savory skillet.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and let it melt for an extra creamy texture and flavor boost.
- Over Rice: Serve the skillet mixture over a bed of rice or quinoa for an additional carb element.
- In a Wrap: Spoon the beef and sweet potato mixture into a tortilla for a tasty wrap option.
- With Avocado: Add a few slices of fresh avocado on top for a creamy and cooling contrast.
Additional Tips
These tips will help you make the most of your Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet:
- Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of this dish, or try swapping it for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño while cooking.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Freeze for Later: You can also freeze any leftovers for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes in Batches: If your skillet is small, cook the sweet potatoes in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don’t crowd the pan.
- Use Broth for Extra Flavor: Using beef broth adds a rich, savory flavor that water can’t quite match, but feel free to use vegetable broth or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
Recipe Variations
Looking for ways to mix things up? Here are some variations of this Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet:
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Skillet: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet for extra protein and fiber.
- Sweet Potato and Beef Tacos: Use the skillet mixture as a filling for tacos, topping them with your favorite salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
- Spicy Ground Beef: Add more spices like chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicier kick.
- Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Casserole: Layer the beef and sweet potato mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for a cheesy casserole.
- Swap the Sweet Potatoes: Use regular potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash if you prefer a different type of vegetable.
Freezing and Storage
To store and reheat your Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet, follow these tips:
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Let the skillet cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the mixture if it’s too thick.
Special Equipment
These kitchen tools will come in handy when making your Skillet:
- Large Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet works best for evenly cooking the sweet potatoes and browning the beef.
- Knife: A sharp knife to chop the vegetables and sweet potatoes.
- Spatula: For stirring the ingredients and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure out your spices and seasonings accurately.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to some common questions about the Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will make the dish a little lighter. - Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Frozen sweet potatoes will work, but they might need a little extra cooking time to soften. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or beans. - Can I cook this in the oven instead?
While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you can roast the sweet potatoes in the oven and then combine everything in a baking dish if you prefer.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
- Total Time: 30 min.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or your preferred choice)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Heat the Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced sweet potatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Potatoes: Cook the sweet potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and starting to brown. If needed, add a splash of water to help soften them up faster.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook the beef until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Combine Everything
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, and cinnamon (if using), and stir well to coat the beef and sweet potatoes with the spices. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Final Touches
- Garnish and Serve: Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have come together, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot, and enjoy your meal!
- Prep Time: 10 min.
- Cook Time: 20 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
If you’re craving a quick, tasty, and filling meal, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is just what you need! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!
