If you are looking for a hearty, comforting meal that combines savory flavors with a touch of natural sweetness, the Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender ground beef, perfectly spiced and browned, with sweet potatoes that melt in your mouth after simmering to perfection. The medley of aromatics like onion, bell pepper, and garlic adds layers of flavor that make every bite satisfying and vibrant. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this skillet recipe promises a delicious and balanced meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s for building robust flavors, adding texture, or brightening up the plate with color.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein providing rich flavor and hearty texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the savory notes without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the fresh onion and boosts umami.
- Sweet potatoes (2 large, peeled and diced): Provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and crunch before cooking down.
- Bell pepper (1, chopped): Contributes color and a slight crisp bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and warmth.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Helps tenderize the sweet potatoes and infuse the dish with savory moisture.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Adds a concentrated, tangy richness that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. This ensures your oil and ingredients will cook evenly, and you’ll get a nice sear on the beef and vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Bell Peppers
Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up before adding the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté these until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness—this foundation infuses the entire skillet with delicious flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Garlic is quick to burn, so keep an eye on it, but don’t skip this step as it builds essential aroma.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the center. Season it right away with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Breaking the beef apart with a spatula, cook until it is fully browned and fragrant.
Step 5: Add Sweet Potatoes and Liquids
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, followed by the beef broth and tomato paste. This combination will add moisture and a tangy depth while helping the sweet potatoes cook evenly and absorb flavor.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the sweet potatoes soften to a perfectly tender consistency, and the flavors meld into a cohesive, hearty dish.
Step 7: Final Stir and Serve
Give it a good stir, taste to adjust any seasoning, and your Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fantastic way to lift this dish. Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro will add a pop of color and freshness, while a sprinkle of shredded cheese melts beautifully on top if you want a creamy touch.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed greens, allowing the flavors of the beef and sweet potatoes to shine. Crusty bread or warm tortillas can also be served alongside to scoop up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice for an extra filling meal. It also works well stuffed into baked bell peppers or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a lighter, handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This skillet freezes beautifully. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You can also microwave leftovers, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative and will still absorb the spices beautifully, though cooking times may vary slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe as it helps the sweet potatoes cook more evenly and offers a smoother texture, but if you prefer extra fiber and texture, you can leave the skin on.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe has a mild, comforting heat mostly from the paprika and black pepper. You can add cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want to spice it up.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and tomato paste. Always double-check ingredient labels if you are serving someone with gluten sensitivity.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but not mushy. After simmering covered for 15-20 minutes, check by testing a few pieces to confirm they are cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to prepare but packed with flavor and texture that everyone at your table will love. Give it a try the next time you want a wholesome, fuss-free meal that leaves you full and happy!
Print
Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet combining tender sweet potatoes with seasoned ground beef and sautéed vegetables, cooked together in one pan for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Heat Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and allow it to warm up before adding ingredients.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, releasing their flavors.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to enhance the aromatic base.
- Brown Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to the side and add ground beef to the center of the skillet to brown evenly.
- Season Beef: Season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well to evenly coat the meat.
- Cook Beef: Continue cooking the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until no longer pink and fully cooked through.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, evenly mixing them with the beef and vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Tomato Paste: Pour in beef broth and add tomato paste, stirring everything together until well combined.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and stir the mixture once more, then serve your delicious Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more paprika or garlic if desired.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
- If you prefer softer sweet potatoes, increase simmering time by 5-10 minutes.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed greens.
