Sizzling Ground Beef & Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Comfort meets nutrition in this ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet that promises a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
Savory meat mingles perfectly with caramelized orange-hued vegetable chunks.
Lean protein and complex carbohydrates create a balanced dinner solution for busy households.
Robust seasonings wake up every bite with unexpected depth.
Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques.
Home cooks seeking a quick and satisfying meal will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together.
Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that everyone will request again and again.
FAQs
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this skillet recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.
The poblano pepper adds a mild heat, but the taco seasoning can vary in spiciness. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount used.
Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re a great alternative to regular potatoes and add more nutrients to your meal.
Yes, simply use a gluten-free taco seasoning blend. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities.
Why Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Shines
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Protein Base:Vegetables:Seasonings and Toppings:Liquid:How to Prepare Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden color.
Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Veggies
Toss in finely chopped onions and crushed garlic.
Sizzle these ingredients until they become soft and release their mouth-watering fragrance, creating a delicious flavor base.
Step 3: Create the Skillet Magic
Add sweet potato cubes, zesty taco seasoning, and a splash of water.
Mix everything thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is perfectly coated with the seasoning.
Step 4: Simmer and Soften
Cover the skillet and let the mixture cook gently.
Allow sweet potatoes to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors, typically taking 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Add Colorful Extras
Stir in these vibrant ingredients:Cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors and warm the new ingredients.
Step 6: Optional Cheesy Finish
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt into a creamy, irresistible layer.
Step 7: Serve with Flair
Garnish with fresh ingredients:Enjoy your skillet fiesta right away!
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Creative Spins on Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Serving Ideas with Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Storing Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
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Healthy Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hearty ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet delights with rustic charm, blending savory meat and caramelized root vegetables in one satisfying pan. Home cooks savor this simple, nourishing meal that brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 poblano pepper (seeded and diced)
Vegetables and Starches:
- 3 cups sweet potatoes (cubed, about 2 medium-sized potatoes)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen corn
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (or 1 packet store-bought)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Cilantro (for serving)
- Avocado (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown the ground beef, thoroughly breaking it into crumbly pieces.
- Eliminate excess grease from the meat using a colander or paper towels.
- Return beef to the skillet and incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce cubed sweet potatoes, taco seasoning, and appropriate liquid, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 12 minutes, allowing sweet potatoes to soften and absorb flavors.
- Gently fold in frozen corn kernels and diced poblano peppers, continuing to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, allowing it to melt naturally from the skillet’s residual heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and a dollop of tangy sour cream before serving immediately.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and satisfying texture.
- Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce overall fat while keeping the dish hearty and nutritious.
- Consider adding quinoa or brown rice directly into the skillet for extra fiber and to make the meal more filling.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting poblano pepper quantity or using alternative peppers like jalapeños for personalized spice preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 427 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.
Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.
Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.