Looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option? This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is your answer. This one-pan meal is packed with protein, nutrients, and flavor, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families.
It’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences. This recipe is designed to rank high on search engines by directly addressing common searches for healthy, one-pan ground beef recipes.
What is Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?
The Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines lean ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the crunch of your favorite vegetables. It’s a complete meal cooked in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. This recipe is perfect for those who want delicious and nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
It strikes a great balance between comfort food and healthy eating, appealing to a wide range of palates. Are you ready to experience a delicious, hassle-free meal? Try this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet and you won’t be disappointed!
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious one-pan meal:
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) is preferred for a healthier option.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes.
- 1 medium onion: Diced.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced.
- 1 red bell pepper: Diced.
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans: Rinsed and drained.
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: For a touch of spice.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking.
- Optional toppings: Avocado, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, hot sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet:
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is incredibly easy to make, taking about 35 minutes from start to finish. The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so appealing – everything cooks together in one pan, resulting in minimal cleanup. Plus, the combination of savory ground beef, sweet potatoes, and flavorful spices creates a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Rinsing and draint the black beans. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced sweet potatoes, tomato sauce and black beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, season the skillet with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Top with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, or hot sauce. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet:
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a winner for so many reasons! The standout is definitely the fantastic flavor combination. The savory ground beef pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while the spices add a warm, comforting touch. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Making this skillet at home is also incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef and sweet potatoes are both affordable ingredients, especially when bought in bulk or on sale. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Don’t forget the toppings! A dollop of creamy avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce can take this dish to the next level. What’s not to love!
Enjoy this recipe? You might also enjoy my recipe for a Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry – another delicious and easy one-pan meal. Try it and let me know what you think!
What to Serve Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet With:
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for complementary dishes to complete your meal:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the skillet.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is a classic pairing with skillet dishes.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: For a Tex-Mex twist, serve with guacamole and tortilla chips.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast to the warm, savory skillet.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors of the dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet:
- Choose Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps reduce the overall fat content of the dish, making it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Dice Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Ensuring that the sweet potatoes are diced into uniform sizes will help them cook evenly.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes: Cook the skillet until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. Overcooked sweet potatoes can make the dish too soft.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
5 Facts about Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet:
- Nutrient-Rich: This skillet is packed with vitamins and minerals from the sweet potatoes, black beans, and vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary preferences. Add or substitute vegetables and spices to create your own unique twist.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and colorful presentation make it appealing to kids.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigeration: Allow the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled skillet to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the skillet in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Microwave: Place a portion of the skillet in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through.
Final Thoughts:
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious individual, or simply looking for a fuss-free dinner option, this skillet is sure to become a new favorite.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey works great as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The recipe has a mild spice level. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add a blend of beans.
Q: Can I prepare this skillet ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Be sure to keep it covered to prevent any spoilage.