This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet is a warm, filling dish that packs a punch of flavor! Soft sweet potatoes mix perfectly with seasoned ground beef for a hearty meal.
I love how easy this skillet comes together – just one pan to wash! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to reduce the grease in the dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian? Try using lentils or plant-based ground meat!
Sweet Potatoes: These not only add sweetness but also a wonderful texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes work too, though the flavor will be different. You can also try butternut squash for a similar sweetness.
Onion and Bell Pepper: They add great flavor and color. Feel free to use any onion you have on hand (red, white, or yellow). If you’re out of bell peppers, zucchini or carrots can fill in nicely!
Spices: The cumin and smoked paprika bring depth to the dish. If you want a milder flavor, skip the chili powder. Substituting taco seasoning can also work as a one-stop spice solution.
How Do You Cook Sweet Potatoes to Get Them Just Right?
Cooking sweet potatoes perfectly is key here. They should be tender yet hold their shape in the dish.
- Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Cook them first in the skillet for about 8-10 minutes. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning and make sure they get that lovely golden color.
- Remove them from the skillet before cooking other ingredients to keep them from getting too soft.
When returning them to the skillet later, just a few more minutes on the heat will warm them through and blend all the flavors.
Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- Juice of half a lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This skillet meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It includes a quick prep time of about 10 minutes and cooking time of around 20 minutes. It’s a fast and flavorful meal you can whip up any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn slightly golden. Once they’re tender, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing them for about 4-5 minutes until they are softened and aromatic.
3. Add the Garlic:
Now add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute until it’s fragrant. This adds an incredible flavor that will fill your kitchen!
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if it’s too greasy!
5. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if you’re using it), and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything well to evenly coat the beef and veggies with all those tasty spices.
6. Combine Everything Together:
Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and ensuring everything is heated through.
7. Finish Off with Lime:
Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the mixture and give it a good stir for that fresh zesty kick!
8. Add Toppings:
Finally, top your dish with diced tomato, avocado, jalapeño slices (if using), and chopped cilantro. This adds a lovely crunch and freshness to your meal!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm directly from the skillet for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy your hearty, colorful, and flavorful Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet!
Feel free to customize and make this dish your own—add more spices, or toss in any veggies you love! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute for beef and will still deliver a tasty meal. Just keep in mind that these meats tend to be leaner, so you might need to add a little extra oil while cooking to maintain moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Just cook the lentils beforehand or use canned ones, and then follow the same steps for mixing them in with the sweet potatoes and spices.
Can I Prepare Ingredients in Advance?
Yes! You can peel and dice the sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers a day ahead. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Additionally, you can also cook the ground beef ahead of time and store it separately to save on cooking time!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated through before serving again.
