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Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder

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A warm, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal, Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet combines tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and bold spices for a quick and nutritious dinner. This easy, customizable recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a hearty and wholesome meal.

 

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (½-inch pieces)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Up to 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 diced bell pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients:
    • Peel and cube sweet potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Prepare optional ingredients like bell peppers or beans, if using.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Ground Beef:
    • Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
    • Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices:
    • Stir in cubed sweet potatoes.
    • Sprinkle with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the potatoes and beef evenly.
  5. Cook Until Tender:
    • If the skillet seems dry, add up to 1 cup of beef broth or water to help the sweet potatoes cook.
    • Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
  6. Incorporate Optional Ingredients:
    • Add diced bell pepper or black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
  7. Finish with Cheese and Garnish:
    • Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top (if using).
    • Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
    • Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Adjust spices to taste—add more chili powder or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • A large skillet prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking.

Find it online: https://friendlywell.com/hearty-ground-beef-and-sweet-potato-skillet-a-one-pan-wonder/