Description
This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder, ideal for weeknight dinners. Savory beef is browned and seasoned, then simmered with tender sweet potatoes and spices until everything melds into a rich, hearty, and nutritious meal. Balanced in flavor and simple in technique, it’s a comfort dish you’ll revisit again and again.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Season with paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
5. Add diced sweet potatoes and mix well. Pour in water and stir.
6. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Uncover and cook a few more minutes to evaporate any excess liquid.
8. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top before serving.
Notes
Dice sweet potatoes into small, even pieces so they cook faster and more uniformly.
For meal prep, cook the beef ahead and refrigerate; just reheat with sweet potatoes when ready to eat.
Swap ground beef with turkey or a plant-based ground if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Skillet Meals
- Method: Sauté & Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground beef, sweet potato, one-pan dinner