Dinner

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

Introduction

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef with tender sweet potatoes and warm spices, it’s both nutritious and comforting. With just one skillet needed, cleanup is easy and the whole family will enjoy the satisfying blend of tastes and textures.

The image shows a close-up of a dish in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has two main layers: the bottom layer consists of small, browned pieces of ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture, mixed evenly with finely chopped herbs. The top layer features bright orange, soft-looking chunks of cooked squash spread across the meat, creating a colorful contrast. A white spoon is partially dipped in the bowl, stirring the mixture, with a woman's hand holding it gently. The overall look is warm and hearty, with the colors of brown and orange standing out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher recommended)
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 bell pepper (any color), cored, seeded, and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped), green onions (sliced), shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack), sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare all vegetables by peeling and dicing sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes, chopping the onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Stir in diced sweet potatoes and sprinkle paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over everything. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet bottom. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high if there’s excess liquid. Cook uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate liquid and slightly thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with your choice of fresh herbs, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips & Variations

Use 90% lean or higher ground beef to reduce excess grease, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Cut sweet potatoes uniformly into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure proper browning; cook beef in batches if necessary.
Customize spices by adding smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or swapping chili powder for taco seasoning.
Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or black beans to boost nutrition and variety.
Stir in leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of cooked ground beef mixed with bright orange cubed butternut squash, all coated in a slightly glossy, spiced seasoning. Small bits of translucent cooked onion and chopped green herbs are scattered evenly throughout the dish. The ingredients are stirred together in a dark textured pan, and a light-colored wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, gently mixing the food. The surface beneath the pan is a clean white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes if needed. Add them directly to the skillet, but expect a slightly longer cooking time as frozen potatoes release more moisture.

Can I make this skillet vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils, crumbled tempeh, or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan version.

Matteo Rossi