This tasty Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet is a perfect one-pan meal! Tender sweet potatoes mix with seasoned ground beef for a satisfying dinner.
Cooking is a breeze with just one skillet to wash! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for fun. It’s a simple dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the dish its hearty base. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Alternatively, going meatless? Crumbled tempeh or lentils can add protein too!
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are full of flavor and nutrients. If they’re not available, butternut squash or regular potatoes work well as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Onion and Garlic: These add great depth to the dish. You can swap them with shallots or green onions for a milder flavor, or skip the garlic altogether if you’re sensitive to it.
Bell Pepper: A red bell pepper brings sweetness and color. Feel free to use any color bell pepper or even zucchini for a different taste. Just remember to keep the pieces bite-sized.
Cheese (optional): I love adding cheddar for creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that’s plant-based.
How Do I Make Sure My Sweet Potatoes Are Tender?
Getting sweet potatoes just right is key to this skillet. Start by cutting them into even 1/2-inch cubes for consistent cooking. Here’s a great method to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Cook them for 8-10 minutes initially in the skillet, until they begin to soften but aren’t mushy.
- Add the beef and other ingredients, then cover the skillet. This traps steam and helps cook the potatoes through.
- Check tenderness after covering for a few minutes. You can cook longer if they need to be softer!
These tips will help you achieve that tender yet firm texture you want. Enjoy your cooking!
Sweet Potato And Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for a touch of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes for cooking. In total, this hearty meal comes together in about 40 minutes, giving you a delicious and satisfying dinner without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Let it warm up for a minute before adding the sweet potatoes.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to start getting tender but not fully cooked yet.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Once the sweet potatoes are starting to soften, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the empty side. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Be sure to drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Add Vegetables:
Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
5. Season and Combine:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
6. Let it Cook Together:
Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step will ensure the sweet potatoes are completely tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Optional Cheese Topping:
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the dish. Cover the skillet again and allow it to melt for about 2 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish. It’s ready to enjoy!
This delightful Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet is not only hearty and delicious but also colorful. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal! Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey can cook faster than beef.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Potatoes?
If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, you can use regular potatoes or butternut squash. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly; check for tenderness as you cook.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for beef. Additionally, feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition!