This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and nutrient-rich answer to busy weeknights. The natural sweetness of the tender sweet potatoes blends perfectly with seasoned ground beef, creating a savory comfort dish that’s both hearty and wholesome. Cooked in a single pan, cleanup is a breeze — making it an ideal go-to meal for families or anyone short on time.
Versatile and customizable, you can easily add extra veggies, black beans, or melted cheese for a personal touch. It’s gluten-free as written and adaptable to various dietary needs. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving a filling homemade dinner, this skillet will not disappoint. Enjoy the satisfying textures and warm spices in every bite.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb lean ground beef
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2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 cup beef broth or water
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Optional: 1 bell pepper, diced
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Optional: 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
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Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Add ground beef and break it apart using a spoon. Cook until browned, 5-7 minutes.
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While the beef cooks, peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
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Add cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet with the beef.
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Sprinkle cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
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If the skillet becomes dry or sweet potatoes need more time, add up to 1 cup of broth or water. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 12-15 minutes.
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Add bell pepper or black beans in the last 5 minutes of cooking if using.
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Once sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and cook 2-3 minutes more to reduce excess moisture.
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Sprinkle with cheese if desired, cover until melted.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Weeknights can be hectic, and the last thing anyone wants is a complicated dinner that demands multiple pots, pans, and a long prep list. That’s where the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet comes to the rescue—a vibrant, nutrient-dense, and flavor-packed dish made in just one pan. This meal is the perfect harmony of simplicity, nutrition, and comfort, ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing time or taste.
Why Sweet Potatoes and Ground Beef Make the Perfect Pair
One of the highlights of this skillet dish is the brilliant combination of lean ground beef and sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins like A and C, which promote healthy skin, vision, and immune function. Meanwhile, ground beef contributes a hearty dose of protein, iron, and essential B vitamins.
Together, these two ingredients create a naturally sweet and savory profile that’s incredibly satisfying. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory spices and richness of the beef beautifully, producing a balanced flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy. Whether you’re trying to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet or looking for a low-effort, high-reward recipe, this skillet delivers.
The Magic of One-Pan Cooking
There’s something uniquely satisfying about cooking an entire meal in one pan. Less mess, less stress, and more flavor—what’s not to love? The Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet allows ingredients to cook together in stages, layering flavors as you go. Sautéing the onions and garlic first lays down a fragrant, aromatic base, while the beef releases savory juices that coat the sweet potatoes as they simmer.
The natural caramelization of sweet potatoes as they cook adds depth, and if you choose to add shredded cheese at the end, it creates a melty, indulgent finish without overcomplicating the recipe. Everything melds together into a cohesive dish that tastes like you spent hours on it, even though it’s done in just 30 minutes.
Healthy Comfort Food That Actually Satisfies
Unlike many traditional comfort foods that are heavy in processed ingredients or loaded with refined carbs, this recipe manages to deliver that same soul-warming effect while being far more nutritious. Lean ground beef keeps the fat content in check, and sweet potatoes provide a natural source of fiber that helps stabilize blood sugar.
This dish is also gluten-free by default, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. And if you’re looking to lighten things up even more, the recipe is easily adapted. Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for beef, while plant-based crumbles make it completely vegetarian without compromising the hearty texture.
Versatility at Its Best
One of the best things about the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is its versatility. You can easily modify it based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s available in your fridge. Want to add more veggies? Throw in some spinach, kale, or zucchini. Craving more heat? Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne. Need extra protein? Toss in black beans, chickpeas, or a fried egg on top.
The seasoning can also be adjusted to suit your taste. The core spices—cumin, paprika, and chili powder—lend a Tex-Mex vibe, but you could pivot to Mediterranean by adding oregano, rosemary, and a splash of lemon juice. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this dish a go-to in many households.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers
If you’re someone who likes to prep meals ahead of time, this recipe is your new best friend. It stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors continue to develop as it sits. Simply reheat it in the microwave or a skillet, and you have a second (or third) meal that tastes just as good, if not better.
It’s also freezer-friendly—just portion it out into airtight containers, and you’ve got ready-to-go meals for busy days when you don’t have time to cook. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a parent juggling multiple schedules, having a dish like this on standby can be a real lifesaver.
A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
Another great feature of this skillet meal is its universal appeal. The flavor profile is approachable, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It’s kid-approved, adult-appreciated, and easily adjustable to satisfy various dietary preferences. You can serve it as is, or alongside a fresh salad, warm tortillas, or a crusty piece of bread for an even more filling experience.
It’s also great for themed dinners—make it part of a Tex-Mex night with a side of guacamole, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a balanced, wholesome meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or keeping it cozy at home, this skillet always makes an impression.
Tips for Elevating Your Skillet Game
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Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have one, a cast-iron pan is excellent for this dish. It retains heat well and encourages even cooking, giving the sweet potatoes a beautiful golden crust.
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Uniform Cutting: Make sure your sweet potato cubes are evenly sized. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents some from being too soft while others are undercooked.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the ingredients room to brown and caramelize instead of steaming. Cook in batches if necessary.
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Finish with Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, or even green onions add brightness and a touch of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
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Cheese It Up: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or pepper jack adds creamy richness that brings everything together.
Common Questions About the Dish
Is it spicy?
Not inherently. The chili powder provides a mild warmth, but you can add spice to your preference.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Is it suitable for kids?
Absolutely. The mild spices and natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes make it very kid-friendly.
Can I use regular potatoes instead?
Definitely. Yukon gold or red potatoes work well, though the final flavor will be less sweet and more earthy.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Recipe in Your Rotation
The Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with nutrients—perfect for weeknights when time is tight but you still want a wholesome meal. With just one pan, you get a dish that’s full of texture, color, and flavor, without the mountain of dishes to clean afterward.
Whether you’re a busy parent trying to feed a family, a student looking for easy meal prep, or someone who just loves good food, this skillet checks all the boxes. It’s cozy, it’s convenient, and best of all, it’s crave-worthy comfort food that you can feel good about eating.
Add this recipe to your regular rotation and discover just how enjoyable simple cooking can be. It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen—for all the right reasons.