Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Let’s Talk Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. When choosing sweet potatoes for this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet, look for firm potatoes without any soft spots or sprouts. The color of the flesh can vary from light yellow to deep orange, and the deeper the color, the more beta-carotene they contain. For this recipe, any variety will work well, so choose your favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Browning the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Adding Aromatics & Veggies:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the diced sweet potato and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato starts to soften slightly. This step is crucial, because it ensures they cook evenly later on.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe you want a little extra chili powder for a kick, or a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
Serving It Up:
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Skillet Ever
Here are a few secrets to making this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet truly shine:
- Even Dicing: Make sure to dice the sweet potato into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that they cook at the same rate and you don’t end up with some pieces that are mushy and others that are still hard.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, it’s best to cook the beef in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding the pan can cause the beef to steam instead of brown, which can affect the flavor and texture.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Make it Ahead: This skillet is great for meal prepping. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Variations to Keep Things Interesting
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Add Beans: Stir in a can of black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
- Use Different Veggies: Feel free to swap out the bell pepper for other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms. If you are a fan of zucchini, try Ground Turkey And Zucchini Skillet.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
- Top with an Egg: Fry an egg and place it on top of the skillet for a delicious and protein-packed meal.
- Add Cheese: Stir in some cheese at the end or bake to make a Hobo Casserole Ground Beef.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Cornbread: Serve with a slice of warm cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with tortilla chips for a fun and casual meal.
Other Delicious Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet, here are a few other ground beef recipes you might like:
- Ground Beef Gnocchi: A comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
- Vegetable Beef Soup: A classic soup that’s packed with vegetables and hearty ground beef.
- Sausage And Sweet Potatoes: If you loved the sweet potato flavor of this dish, try another variation.
- Meat & Potato Skillet: A simple but satisfying skillet meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Storing and Reheating
Storing:
Let the skillet cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
You can reheat the skillet in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Heat until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution to those busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So, grab your skillet and get cooking – you’re just a few steps away from a dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized!What are some recommended toppings for the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?
The recipe suggests toppings like chopped fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How should I store leftover Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?
Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What if I want to add more vegetables to the skillet?
You can swap out the bell pepper for other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms. You can also stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
How can I make sure the sweet potatoes cook evenly in the skillet?
Dice the sweet potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Easy Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a savory and slightly sweet dish perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. It combines the heartiness of ground beef with the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes and other vegetables in one pan.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the diced sweet potato and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato starts to soften slightly.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
Ensure sweet potatoes are diced evenly for consistent cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the beef, cook in batches if necessary. Adjust spices to your preference, adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat. Stir in spinach or kale for added nutrients. This skillet is great for meal prepping and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add beans, different vegetables, cream cheese, a fried egg, or cheese for variations.
