Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
This one-pan dish combines savory ground beef with tender sweet potatoes and simple spices for a comforting and filling meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water for steaming sweet potatoes
- Optional: diced bell peppers
- Optional: spinach or kale
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions
- Optional: shredded cheese or sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced sweet potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth or water, cover, and cook 6–8 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove sweet potatoes from skillet and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, paprika, smoked paprika or chili powder, cumin if using, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet and mix well to combine.
- Cook together for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with optional fresh herbs or toppings.
- Serve hot on its own or with a side salad.
Notes
- Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes for faster, even cooking.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter protein.
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; reheat gently.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or greens near the end for more nutrition.