Ground Beef Sweet Potato
This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and bold seasonings, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements the savory, seasoned ground beef, creating a well-balanced meal that’s gluten-free and perfect for meal prep.Not only is this quick skillet recipe incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also high in protein and essential nutrients. The combination of ground beef and sweet potatoes provides sustained energy and muscle recovery benefits, making it ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a balanced, nutrient-dense dinner. With customizable seasonings and add-ins, you can easily make this dish Tex-Mex, Mediterranean, or even low-carb by adjusting the ingredients.Whether you serve it as is, with avocado, salsa, or a side salad, this skillet meal is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (preferably lean 90/10)
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into small cubes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup bell peppers, diced (optional, adds flavor and color)
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional, adds fiber and protein)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 avocado, sliced (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.Add sweet potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.Cook until tender: Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.Add optional ingredients: Stir in bell peppers and black beans (if using), and cook for another 2-3 minutes.Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm with sliced avocado or a side salad.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Substitutions: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or use mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.