Rustic Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Whipping up a delightful ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet promises a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Seasonal vegetables and hearty protein create a perfect balance for busy weeknight dinners.

Comfort food doesn’t always mean complicated preparations – this simple recipe proves that quick meals can be incredibly delicious.

Packed with nutrients and bold flavors, each bite delivers a satisfying combination of savory meat and naturally sweet potatoes.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this one-pan wonder comes together with minimal cleanup.

Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, the skillet transforms basic ingredients into something truly memorable.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this skillet dish.

• Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious and slightly sweet root vegetable that adds texture and depth to the recipe.
• Onions, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes: These vegetables provide additional flavor, color, and nutritional value to the skillet.

• Garlic, Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a warm, complex flavor profile for the dish.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a bright, citrusy note as a garnish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and create a non-stick surface in the skillet.
• Lime Wedges: Optional citrus accompaniment that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Cooking Guide for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and moves easily across the pan surface.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Add onions and garlic to the hot skillet.

Sauté until they become fragrant and turn soft and translucent, releasing their delightful flavors for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Introduce ground beef into the skillet.

Crumble the meat using a spatula and cook until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Colorful Vegetable Medley

• Diced sweet potatoes
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Simmer And Soften

Cover the skillet and allow everything to cook together.

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Continue until sweet potatoes become tender, around 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Reduce And Concentrate

Remove the skillet lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

This helps evaporate any extra liquid, intensifying the dish’s flavors.

Step 7: Finish With Freshness

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Tips for Balancing Flavors in Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Pat ground beef dry with paper towels before cooking to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor development.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
• Adjust chili powder and spices to match your heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually for personalized taste.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of this one-pan meal.
• Chop cilantro just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and add a vibrant, fresh finish to the skillet dish.

Variations to Try with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat, and include smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and swap bell peppers for kalamata olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired skillet.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Flavor Fiesta Plate: Serve over fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious skillet juices and add extra texture.
• Taco Twist: Wrap the beef and sweet potato mixture in warm tortillas for a quick and satisfying handheld meal that packs a punch.
• Fresh and Zesty Topping: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to add cool, creamy contrast to the spicy skillet.
• Protein Power Bowl: Create a hearty bowl by layering the skillet mixture over mixed greens or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, nutrient-dense option.

Storage Recommendations for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled skillet to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly hot and steaming.

FAQs

• Is ground beef healthy?

Ground beef provides protein, iron, and zinc. Choose lean cuts (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce saturated fat intake and support muscle health.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as alternatives. They offer similar protein content and blend well with sweet potatoes and spices.

• How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?

Sweet potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. They should be soft but not mushy, with a slight resistance when you cut them.

• What nutritional benefits do sweet potatoes offer?

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health, boost immunity, and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Savory Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner

• Quick and Simple Meal: Whip up a nutritious, one-pan dinner that comes together with minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Nutrition: Combines lean protein from ground beef with vitamin-rich sweet potatoes and colorful bell peppers for a balanced, wholesome meal.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Delivers a delicious blend of spices that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime exciting and satisfying without being too spicy.
• Versatile Cooking Option: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs by swapping ground beef with turkey or using vegetarian protein alternatives.

Hearty Ground Beef And Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet delivers comfort with robust southwestern flavors. Spicy seasonings and simple ingredients create a quick one-pan meal perfect for hungry families seeking satisfying nutrition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (preferably lean)

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or one 14.5-ounce/411 grams can of diced tomatoes, drained)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium-high temperature, preparing the foundation for a robust one-pan meal.
2. Sauté aromatic onions and minced garlic until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, methodically crumbling the meat with a spatula and allowing it to brown thoroughly, around 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate vibrant sweet potatoes, colorful bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes into the mixture, then enrich with a blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavor-packed profile.
5. Secure the skillet with a lid, allowing the ingredients to meld and the sweet potatoes to soften, stirring intermittently during the 10-15 minute cooking process.
6. Remove the lid for a final 2-3 minutes, enabling any remaining liquid to evaporate and concentrating the dish’s robust flavors.
7. Elevate the presentation by scattering freshly chopped cilantro across the surface and offering zesty lime wedges alongside for an optional bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and texture.
• Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce overall fat content while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Dice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra umami flavor and B-vitamin boost, especially great for vegetarian adaptations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg