Sweet potato and ground beef come together in this one-pan wonder that transforms your weeknight cooking routine. This healthy dinner delivers bold flavors, complete nutrition, and minimal cleanup in under 30 minutes.
I discovered this recipe on a busy Tuesday evening when my fridge held exactly two ingredients: a pound of ground beef and three sweet potatoes. What started as desperation cooking became our family’s most-requested beef dinner.
The natural sweetness of potatoes balances perfectly with savory seasoned beef. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
This ground beef sweet potato skillet proves that healthy eating doesn’t require complicated recipes or expensive ingredients. You need one pan, basic pantry staples, and less than half an hour to create a nutritious meal your whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Main Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean works best)
• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
Seasonings
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Additional Items
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving
The beauty of this ground beef and veggies recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose, and you probably have most items in your kitchen already.
Instructions: How to Make This Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Dice your sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. This size ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper.
Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and spread them in a single layer.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and develop golden edges. The potatoes should be tender but not mushy.
Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
Cook for 5-6 minutes until the beef browns completely. The meat should have no pink remaining and develop a nice caramelized crust.
Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so watch it carefully.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Sprinkle all your seasonings over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth or water.
Step 6: Final Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce into a light glaze that coats everything beautifully.
Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Your sweet potato skillet is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips and Variations for Your Beef and Sweet Potato Recipes
Expert Cooking Tips
Cut uniformly: Keep sweet potato cubes the same size so they cook evenly. Uneven pieces mean some will be mushy while others stay hard.
Don’t overcrowd: Use a large skillet (at least 12 inches). Overcrowding causes steaming instead of browning, which affects texture and flavor.
Preheat properly: Let your skillet get hot before adding ingredients. This creates better browning and prevents sticking.
Save time: Prep sweet potatoes the night before. Store them in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning.
Flavor Variations
Mediterranean style: Replace cumin and chili powder with oregano and basil. Add diced tomatoes and finish with crumbled feta cheese.
Asian-inspired: Use ground ginger, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tex-Mex twist: Add a can of black beans and corn. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Breakfast version: Add a fried egg on top and serve in the morning. This creates a satisfying breakfast hash.
Ingredient Substitutions
Different proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work equally well. Adjust cooking times slightly for leaner meats.
Vegetarian option: Replace beef with black beans, chickpeas, or crumbled tempeh for a plant-based version.
Sweet potato alternatives: Regular potatoes, butternut squash, or cauliflower can substitute if you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand.
Spice adjustments: Make it kid-friendly by reducing or eliminating cayenne pepper. Add more heat with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
These ground beef recipes for dinner adapt easily to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions: Sweet Potato Dinner Ideas
As a Main Course
This skillet serves four people generously as a complete meal. The combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables provides balanced nutrition in one dish.
Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation that saves on dishes.
With Simple Sides
Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette complements the hearty skillet perfectly.
Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and creates a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced beef.
Tortillas or rice: Serve alongside warm tortillas for a wrap-style meal, or over cauliflower rice for extra vegetables.
Roasted vegetables: Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for more variety.
Creative Serving Ideas
Meal prep bowls: Divide into four containers with your choice of greens for ready-made lunches all week.
Stuffed peppers: Use this mixture to stuff bell peppers, then bake until tender.
Breakfast bowls: Reheat leftovers and top with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast.
Lettuce wraps: Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
These dinner ideas with sweet potatoes work for casual weeknight meals or when entertaining guests who appreciate simple, flavorful food.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Ground Beef and Veggies Meal
This sweet potato and ground beef skillet delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It cooks quickly, uses affordable ingredients, and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
The recipe proves that beef recipes for dinner don’t need to be complicated to taste amazing. One pan, simple seasonings, and fresh ingredients create magic in your kitchen.
You’ll love how the natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory beef. The spices add depth without overwhelming the dish. Every component works together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Make this recipe your own by trying different variations. Each time you cook it, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy this versatile combination.
Your family will ask for this healthy dinner again and again. And you’ll happily oblige because it’s so easy to make.
FAQs About Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipes
Can I make this ground beef and sweet potato skillet ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the recipe completely, let it cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Absolutely. If you batch-cook ground beef, add it at step 4 along with the vegetables. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked, crumbled beef. This cuts your cooking time by about 5 minutes.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are done?
Pierce them with a fork. They should be tender but still hold their shape. If the fork slides through easily without resistance but the cubes don’t fall apart, they’re perfect. This usually takes 8-10 minutes of cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Zucchini, spinach, kale, mushrooms, or green beans all work well. Add heartier vegetables like zucchini with the bell peppers. Add delicate greens like spinach at the very end, stirring just until wilted.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Sweet potatoes are higher in carbs, so this recipe isn’t strictly keto. For a keto version, replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets or radishes. Both develop a nice texture when cooked and absorb the flavors beautifully.
How can I make this less spicy for kids?
Omit the cayenne pepper entirely and reduce the chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the cumin, paprika, and garlic without being spicy. You can always add hot sauce at the table for adults who want heat.
Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth to help cook the sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the ingredients evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the water or beef broth, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium. Let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, remove the lid and let any remaining liquid evaporate. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired, cover for a minute to melt, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 420mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 26g
