Description

This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, hearty, and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef with sweet potatoes and vibrant vegetables, it offers a warm, smoky Southwestern-inspired flavor with comforting textures. Ready in under an hour, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients and is easily customizable, making it a family-friendly staple that pleases both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher recommended)

Vegetables

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

Oils & Liquids

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)

Spices

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

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

Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Chop the onion and bell pepper into pieces of similar size. Mince the garlic cloves carefully. Having all ingredients prepped ensures a smooth cooking process.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease to keep the dish lean and flavorful.
Sauté Aromatics and Bell Pepper: To the skillet with browned beef, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes along with paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything to evenly coat the sweet potatoes and beef with the spices, imparting a warm, smoky flavor.
Simmer and Steam: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits for extra flavor. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The covered skillet steams the sweet potatoes while the broth infuses flavors.
Check for Doneness and Adjust Seasoning: Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high if there is excess liquid. Cook uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate liquid and thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to your liking to ensure a well-balanced flavor and perfect consistency.
Serve and Garnish (Optional): Serve the skillet hot into bowls or plates. Top with fresh parsley or cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and avocado slices as desired to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

Choose 90% lean ground beef or leaner for a healthier option. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
Dice sweet potatoes evenly (½-inch cubes) for consistent cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
Adjust spices according to taste preferences; add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for more heat.
Additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans can be added for variety.
Stir in leafy greens such as spinach or kale near the end for extra nutrition.
Prepare ahead by chopping vegetables in advance or making the skillet a day prior; flavors improve overnight.
Leftovers can be refrigerated (3-4 days) or frozen (2-3 months) and reheated thoroughly before serving.
If substituting chicken broth, vegetable or beef broth or water can be used in a pinch.
This dish can be baked in the oven: after browning and sautéing, transfer to oven-safe dish, cover, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
Cheese can be added during the last few minutes or broiled briefly for a melted topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southwestern American

Keywords: ground beef skillet, sweet potato recipe, easy weeknight dinner, healthy skillet meal, one-pan meal, Southwestern dish, family-friendly dinner