Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy dinner that comes together in one pan and delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly what you need. The combination of savory seasoned ground beef and naturally sweet chunks of roasted sweet potato makes for a satisfying, balanced meal you can serve any night of the week. It’s colorful, comforting, and deliciously simple.

This skillet is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering a nourishing dinner that also works great as leftovers. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and full of nutrient-dense vegetables. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see how versatile and comforting it can be.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This recipe is quick to prep, easy to customize, and ready in just about 30 minutes. It uses basic pantry spices and ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a budget-friendly choice. You’ll love how the sweet potato caramelizes slightly in the pan, pairing beautifully with the savory ground beef and warming spices. Best of all, it cooks all in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.

Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef adds depth and richness, you can easily swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may need a touch more oil or seasoning to bring out the same level of flavor.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet recipe calls for just a handful of whole ingredients, each chosen for its flavor and texture that complement one another.

• Ground beef
• Sweet potatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

The ground beef forms the savory, protein-packed base. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and hearty texture. Onion and garlic are the flavor foundation, while bell pepper adds brightness and crunch. Olive oil is the cooking fat of choice for both flavor and health. Smoked paprika and cumin bring warmth and a touch of spice. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to balance the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top is optional but adds a lovely touch of freshness.

How To Make the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and caramelize around the edges, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Push the sweet potatoes to the side of the skillet and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened and fragrant, around 4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir it into the vegetables once it starts to brown. Cook until the beef is fully cooked through and no longer pink.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Top with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing This Skillet Dinner

This recipe yields enough to feed four hungry people, especially when paired with a simple side or salad. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for a rustic and inviting presentation.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave, making it perfect for meal prep lunches throughout the week. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

A Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens helps cut through the richness and adds refreshing contrast.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright green broccoli brings more veggies to the plate and adds lovely texture next to the soft sweet potatoes.

Garlic Rice or Quinoa

If you’re extra hungry, a scoop of rice or quinoa turns this into a larger, more filling meal.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado on top adds healthy fats and balances the spices with its mellow flavor.

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream

A dollop of tangy yogurt or sour cream adds richness and cools down the spice for a comforting bite.

Cornbread or Flatbread

Serve with a warm bread to soak up every flavorful bit from the skillet.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The crisp and caramelized flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts works wonderfully with this hearty dish.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this hearty beef and sweet potato combo, check out these other satisfying skillet meals:

• Try the Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet for a low-carb option packed with flavor.
• The Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup makes a cozy meal with tender sausage and pillowy gnocchi.
• Our Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet takes this recipe even further with added zucchini.
• Or make it fun with a twist: the Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is indulgent, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments if you made any swaps or added extra veggies! Did you use ground turkey or add some heat with red pepper flakes?

I love hearing how each of you personalize these skillet recipes to make them your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and warm skillet recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next cozy dinner favorite.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a go-to recipe for when you want something filling, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s a crowd-pleaser with endless ways to adapt it to your tastes or diet needs. Once you try this one-pan wonder, it’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

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