This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet combines hearty ground beef and tender sweet potatoes for a deliciously satisfying meal. The rich flavors of cumin and chili powder enhance the sweetness of the potatoes, while the savory beef adds depth to the dish.
With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this skillet is perfect for busy nights when you need a nutritious and filling dinner. You can also customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices, making it a versatile and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
- Sprinkle paprika, cumin, and chili powder over the beef and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, and ground beef together. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet: A Hearty, Nutritious Meal in One Pan
The Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a simple, yet flavorful dish that combines two of the most versatile ingredients—ground beef and sweet potatoes—into a satisfying, hearty meal. The dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious, easy to prepare, and full of flavor. With its quick cooking time and minimal prep work, this skillet meal checks all the boxes for a family-friendly dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Why Choose Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes?
Ground beef is a protein powerhouse, providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins that are important for muscle development, immune function, and overall health. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it a great ingredient for a variety of meals. Paired with the natural sweetness and nutrient-dense qualities of sweet potatoes, this skillet becomes a balanced meal that is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.
Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, especially beta-carotene, which is important for eye health and immune function. They are also a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the day. When combined with ground beef, sweet potatoes create a satisfying dish that will keep you feeling full and energized.
The Simplicity of One-Pan Meals
One of the best things about this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is that it’s made in just one pan. This means less clean-up and more time to enjoy your meal. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s a meal that’s easy to put together without requiring a lot of time or effort. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner solution or someone who wants a satisfying meal without a complicated recipe, this skillet fits the bill.
The beauty of a one-pan meal is that you can throw everything into a single skillet and let the flavors come together without worrying about multiple pots and pans. It’s an efficient way to prepare a healthy, filling dinner that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to clean.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Meal prepping can be a lifesaver for those with busy schedules, and this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is an excellent dish to include in your weekly rotation. The recipe yields a generous portion, which means it can easily be portioned out for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Simply store the cooked skillet in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a nutritious meal ready to go whenever you need it.
For those who want to take meal prepping to the next level, consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for future use. Ground beef and sweet potatoes freeze well, so this skillet makes for a great make-ahead meal. You can even mix it up by adding different vegetables or spices to change the flavor profile each time.
Health Benefits of the Dish
The combination of ground beef and sweet potatoes offers a wide range of health benefits. Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It also helps maintain muscle mass, making it especially important for those who are physically active or older adults looking to preserve their strength.
Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are loaded with fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making this dish a great option for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar. The antioxidants found in sweet potatoes, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
The spices used in this recipe—paprika, cumin, and chili powder—not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also provide additional health benefits. Cumin is known for its digestive properties, while paprika contains capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and improve circulation. Chili powder, rich in antioxidants, is also linked to improved heart health.
Customizing Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
One of the greatest things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to fit your preferences or dietary needs. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat or adding more beans or lentils for a protein-packed substitute.
If you’re looking to increase the vegetable content, feel free to toss in extra veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can even add a handful of leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for a nutritional boost. The spices in this recipe are also flexible—feel free to add more heat with cayenne pepper or chili flakes, or experiment with your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet can be served as-is for a complete meal, or paired with a side dish for a heartier spread. For a fresh contrast to the savory skillet, serve it with a light green salad, or pair it with some steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you’re craving something with a little extra crunch, add a side of crispy roasted vegetables.
If you’re looking to add a little more flavor, top the skillet with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving. A squeeze of lime juice can also elevate the dish and add a refreshing zing.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect solution for those who want a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare or a meal prep option for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. With its balance of protein, healthy carbs, and a rich blend of spices, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Not only does it taste great, but it’s also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this skillet is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. The combination of ground beef and sweet potatoes provides a solid base for a meal that’s both comforting and healthy. So, next time you’re looking for a simple yet hearty dish, reach for this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet—you won’t regret it!