This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal that brings together sweet and savory flavors. With tender sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef, it’s oh-so-comforting!
It’s super easy to make, and you’ll love how it all comes together in one skillet. Plus, the leftovers? Even better the next day! I can’t resist going back for seconds. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually opt for 80/20 ground beef for its balance between flavor and lean meat. However, you can substitute with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness to the dish. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash also work, but keep in mind they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
Onion: Yellow onions are great for sweetness, but you can use red onions for a sharper taste. Shallots are another nice alternative if you have them on hand.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper brings sweetness. Feel free to use green or yellow peppers based on your preference, or have fun with other colors! You can skip the pepper entirely if you prefer.
Spices: The cumin and smoked paprika add depth. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, or you might add a pinch of chili powder to kick things up!
How Do I Cook the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Cooking sweet potatoes just right is key to this dish. Start by dicing them into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate. Sautéing them first gives a lovely texture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the sweet potatoes.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re starting to soften and turn golden.
- If they start to stick, a splash of water can help deglaze the pan and keep cooking.
Remember, you want them tender but not mushy. The sweet potato pieces will finish cooking when mixed with the beef.
How to Make Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet will take about 5 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sweet Potatoes:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté them until they start to soften and develop a little golden color, about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re softened, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper (if you’re using it). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Adding Flavor:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant. This will add a lovely aroma to your dish!
4. Browning the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off at this point.
5. Combining Everything:
Now, stir the cooked sweet potatoes back into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Mix everything well so the flavors can combine.
6. Seasoning the Dish:
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the spices meld perfectly with the sweet potatoes and beef.
7. A Final Taste Check:
Give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning if necessary. You want it to have a balanced flavor that suits your palate.
8. Garnishing:
Garnish your skillet dish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serving:
Serve your hearty Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet immediately, along with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal!
This recipe is perfect for those cozy nights when comfort food is calling your name. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you want a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the type of meat you’re using.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Potatoes?
If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even carrots. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as lentils, chickpeas, or a veggie burger crumbled into the skillet. Just be sure to add extra seasonings as needed for flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry to maintain the texture.
