Description
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Optional Ingredients:
- Add diced bell pepper or black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American