There’s something truly comforting about a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and nourishing. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly that kind of recipe—a dish that effortlessly brings together robust flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a fuss-free meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Growing up, dishes like this were a staple in my family. There was always a skillet on the stovetop, filled with whatever fresh ingredients my parents had on hand, and the kitchen would fill with warm, savory aromas that made everyone gather at the table a little faster. This particular recipe holds that same magic. The sweetness of the potatoes beautifully complements the savory ground beef, while the addition of warm spices adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and fiber, while ground beef provides a rich source of protein. Plus, the one-skillet approach means fewer dishes, which is always a win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Nutritious and Balanced: A perfect blend of protein, healthy carbs, and veggies.
- Customizable: You can easily swap or add ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this is a go-to for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, chopping the onion, bell peppers, and greens, and mincing the garlic. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly caramelized. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder over the mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Greens: Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet, followed by the spinach or kale. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the greens are wilted and everything is well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread if you’re feeling indulgent.
Helpful Tips:
- Sweet Potato Size Matters: Dice the sweet potatoes into small, evenly-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap out the spinach or kale for other greens like Swiss chard or arugula.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean or extra-lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This skillet reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Notes:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or additional veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
Nutritional Information:
(Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Frozen bell peppers, spinach, or kale can work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the skillet.
Q: How can I make this recipe low-carb?
A: Swap the sweet potatoes for cauliflower rice or diced zucchini to cut down on carbs while keeping the dish hearty.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this skillet?
A: Simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion the cooked skillet into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate weeknight hero—packed with flavor, simple to make, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. It’s a recipe that brings people together, just like those warm, home-cooked meals from childhood. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Description
There’s something truly comforting about a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and nourishing. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly that kind of recipe—a dish that effortlessly brings together robust flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a fuss-free meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Growing up, dishes like this were a staple in my family. There was always a skillet on the stovetop, filled with whatever fresh ingredients my parents had on hand, and the kitchen would fill with warm, savory aromas that made everyone gather at the table a little faster. This particular recipe holds that same magic. The sweetness of the potatoes beautifully complements the savory ground beef, while the addition of warm spices adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and fiber, while ground beef provides a rich source of protein. Plus, the one-skillet approach means fewer dishes, which is always a win!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, chopping the onion, bell peppers, and greens, and mincing the garlic. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly caramelized. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder over the mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Greens: Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet, followed by the spinach or kale. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the greens are wilted and everything is well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread if you’re feeling indulgent.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or additional veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.