Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet: 7 Comforting Flavors

octobre 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

If you’re looking for a quick, hearty dinner that’s bursting with flavor, let me introduce you to my go-to ground beef and sweet potato skillet! This dish has become a family favorite in our household, and I can’t tell you how many times it’s saved my sanity on busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground beef and sweet, tender sweet potatoes is just divine. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup – yes, please! The warm spices like paprika and cumin give it that extra oomph that makes everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too!

ground beef and sweet potato skillet - detail 1

Ingredients List

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll want everything prepped and ready to go for the best cooking experience. Here’s what you need:

1 lb ground beef: I usually go for lean ground beef, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. It adds that comforting richness to the dish!
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced: Peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces. They’ll cook perfectly and add a lovely sweetness to balance the savory beef.
1 onion, chopped: A medium onion works best. This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor base to the skillet.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It brings a fragrant kick that elevates the whole dish.
1 bell pepper, chopped: Any color you like – red, yellow, or green! It adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
2 tsp paprika: This smoky spice is key! It gives the dish that gorgeous color and depth of flavor.
1 tsp cumin: A warm, earthy spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Adjust it according to your preference for a perfect balance.
2 tbsp olive oil: This is for sautéing our veggies at the start. It adds a nice richness and helps everything cook evenly.

Now that we have our ingredients lined up, we’re ready to dive into cooking this delightful skillet dish!

How to Prepare Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This ground beef and sweet potato skillet comes together quickly, so you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready. Here’s how to whip it up:

Heat things up: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want that oil nice and hot to sauté the veggies!
Sauté the base: Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is amazing already!
Add the garlic: Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute. You don’t want it to burn, just enough to release those delicious aromas.
Brown the beef: Now, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Mix in the sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, coating the sweet potatoes in those yummy spices.
Cover and cook: Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want those sweet potatoes to become tender and soak up all that flavor!
Serve it up: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, remove the skillet from the heat and serve warm. Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal!

And there you have it! A simple yet satisfying dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This skillet dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious in a hurry.
One-Pan Wonder: Since everything cooks in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze! Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your meal.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of ground beef, sweet potatoes, and warm spices like paprika and cumin creates a delightful medley of flavors that’s sure to impress.
Nutritious Goodness: With lean protein from the beef and healthy carbs from the sweet potatoes, this dish is both filling and nutritious, making it a guilt-free comfort food.
Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or spices! This recipe is versatile, allowing you to make it your own each time.
Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the savory beef make it appealing to all ages.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your ground beef and sweet potato skillet turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to elevate this dish:

Choose Your Beef Wisely: I recommend using lean ground beef (like 80/20) for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you want to lighten it up, turkey or chicken can work too, but be sure to adjust cooking times since they can cook faster!
Sweet Potato Size Matters: Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. If you prefer them softer, you can even microwave them for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. It cuts down on cooking time!
Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to play with spices! If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes. A dash of chili powder can also amp up the flavor!
Fresh Herbs for a Fresh Twist: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end can brighten up the dish. I love garnishing with fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor and color!
Experiment with Veggies: This dish is super versatile! Feel free to toss in other veggies like zucchini, spinach, or even diced tomatoes. Just be mindful of the cooking times so everything stays tender!
Don’t Rush the Browning: When browning the ground beef, let it sit for a minute or two before stirring. This helps develop a nice crust and deep flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Finish with a Squeeze: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice right before serving adds a lovely brightness that really ties everything together. It’s a game changer!

With these tips in hand, you’ll be a pro at cooking this skillet dish in no time. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this ground beef and sweet potato skillet! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices! Try adding smoked paprika for an even deeper flavor, or mix in some chili powder for a spicy kick.
Veggie Delight: Sneak in more veggies! Spinach, kale, or zucchini can be tossed in during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Southwestern Twist: Add black beans and corn, and top with avocado and fresh cilantro for a delicious southwestern flair!
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can bring a whole new level of flavor. Stir them in right at the end for a fresh burst!
Sweet Potato Swap: If you’re in the mood for something different, swap out sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a unique twist.
Cheesy Goodness: For a creamy finish, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt. Yum!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to make this dish your own! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to discover your favorite version!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No worries! This ground beef and sweet potato skillet stores like a champ. Here’s how to keep it fresh and ready for your next meal:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to keep it safe and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now, let’s talk reheating! You want to bring back that delicious flavor:

Microwave: This is the quickest way! Just pop your portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel (to keep moisture in), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until it’s heated through.
Stovetop: For the best flavor and texture, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat, add the leftovers, and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. This method helps keep the sweet potatoes from getting mushy!
Oven: If you have a larger portion, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the skillet dish in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be enjoying your ground beef and sweet potato skillet all week long. Happy eating!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to enjoying the ground beef and sweet potato skillet, it’s always good to have an idea of the nutritional breakdown. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate rather than precise data.

Here’s a typical nutritional profile for one serving of this delicious skillet dish:

Calories: 350
Protein: 20g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to better suit your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a protein boost or cutting back on carbs, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your preferences. Enjoy your meal with confidence, knowing it’s both tasty and nutritious!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of meat in this skillet dish?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be used. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary slightly from beef.

What can I serve with this ground beef and sweet potato skillet?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. A simple green salad or some steamed veggies can round it out nicely too!

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
You’ll want to fork-test them! When they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, they’re ready. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving to enjoy that fresh flavor again!

What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even carrots if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re tender.

For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this Healthline article.

For tips on cooking ground beef, you can refer to this The Spruce Eats guide.

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.