If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dinner that comes together with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. It’s a perfect harmony of savory ground beef and naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes, all tossed with aromatic spices and fresh veggies. The ease of one-pan cooking mixed with such a delicious outcome means you’ll want to make this dish again and again. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, from the earthiness of the sweet potatoes to the warming spices that tie everything together, creating a dish that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference for fat content and flavor richness.
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Their natural sweetness balances the spices perfectly.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a foundational savory note and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Introduces a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Adds freshness and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky warmth that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers earthy undertones and a slight nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Injects a gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and elevate all the components.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing to bring out the best texture and flavor.
- Optional: avocado slices and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish: These brighten the dish with creaminess and herbaceous notes.
How to Make Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base that will permeate every bite.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Stir and break it up into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and develops that irresistible caramelized flavor. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat. This lean yet juicy beef provides the hearty protein center of the recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes and Bell Pepper
Remove the beef mixture temporarily and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Then, add the red bell pepper and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to mellow their sweetness and add vibrant color.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so those spices can infuse every ingredient with their warm, inviting flavors.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Spinach
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and gently fold in the fresh spinach leaves. Allow them to wilt slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes, adding a fresh green pop and a pleasant mild bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes and the savoriness of the beef.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with slices of creamy avocado and freshly chopped cilantro if you’re using them. These add not only gorgeous color but also layers of fresh flavor and creaminess that enhance the overall joy of eating this dish.
How to Serve Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Avocado slices and chopped cilantro work wonderfully as garnishes for this skillet recipe, bringing in freshness and a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced mixture. A squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream can also elevate the flavors beautifully, making every forkful even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is quite versatile and hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread. Roasted vegetables or a light cucumber-yogurt salad would also complement the spices and balance the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice to add an extra layer of texture and soak up all those delicious juices. Alternatively, scoop portions into warm tortillas and enjoy as tacos, garnished with your favorite toppings for a vibrant taco night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to marry even more after resting, making the next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
If you’d like to save it longer, transfer the cooled skillet contents to a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Make sure to label with the date so you can enjoy it fresh within that timeframe.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the skillet gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also microwave single portions but cover loosely to retain moisture. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutions if you’re looking for a leaner protein. Keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to adjust the spices a bit to maintain the bold taste.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. You can also add a tiny pinch of cumin or chipotle powder for smokiness. The dish will still be delicious with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or cooked lentils. You might want to increase the spices to keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
Are the sweet potatoes supposed to be soft or firm?
You want the sweet potatoes to be tender but not mushy. Cooking them until they just start to soften keeps a pleasant texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Is this dish spicy?
The chili powder adds a gentle warmth but nothing overwhelming. You can easily adjust the amount or omit it if you’re sensitive to spice, making this dish friendly for all palates.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and soul. I can’t recommend it enough for busy nights when you want something satisfying without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself reaching for it time and again!
Print
Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet featuring tender sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh spinach, seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. This one-pan dish is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils & Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: avocado slices and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to release their flavors.
- Cook ground beef: Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Drain fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness and improve the dish’s texture.
- Set aside beef: Remove the cooked ground beef mixture from the skillet and set aside temporarily to cook the vegetables.
- Add remaining oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to prepare for cooking the sweet potatoes.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add bell pepper: Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper softens and releases its sweetness.
- Return beef to skillet: Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Season skillet: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; stir well to evenly coat the ingredients with the spices.
- Add spinach: Reduce heat to low, fold in fresh spinach leaves, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Remove skillet from heat and optionally garnish with avocado slices and fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Notes
- Drain the fat thoroughly after browning the beef to keep the dish light but flavorful.
- Sweet potatoes should be diced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Adjust spices according to your preferred heat level.
- For extra nutrition, you can add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- This dish reheats well and can be enjoyed as leftovers.
