What the heck is this?
This is comfort food with a healthy-ish twist, and it’s here to save your busy weeknights. We’re talking seasoned ground beef, tender chunks of sweet potato, onions, garlic, a handful of spices, and maybe some melty cheese on top if you’re feeling it. All in one skillet. No complicated steps, no mountain of dishes. It’s hearty, satisfying, slightly sweet, savory, and endlessly customizable. Basically, this is that “throw-it-together-but-still-feel-like-you-tried” kind of meal we all need in our back pocket.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– One pan, no stress
– Protein + fiber + flavor = balanced and delicious
– Sweet potatoes + beef = an underrated power couple
– Great for meal prep and leftovers
– Easily made dairy-free or paleo
– Ready in 30 minutes or less
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
– 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water or broth (to help steam the potatoes)
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped parsley, avocado slices, hot sauce
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as you go. Drain excess grease if needed, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Sprinkle in your spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper) and stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in the water or broth, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Top and Serve
If using cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and cover for a minute until it melts. Top with parsley, avocado, or a dash of hot sauce, and serve it straight from the pan like a boss.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve it as is for a complete meal
– Spoon it over rice or quinoa for a double-carb delight
– Wrap it in tortillas for quick burritos or tacos
– Top it with a fried egg for the ultimate breakfast-for-dinner move
Switch It Up
– Go Tex-Mex: Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning
– Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef
– Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale near the end
– Try different cheese: Pepper jack, feta, or cheddar all hit differently
Make-Ahead Tips
– Dice your sweet potatoes and onions ahead of time
– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
– Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely. Turkey, chicken, sausage — all fair game here.
Q: Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
A: Nope! Just scrub them well if you like the skin on. It adds fiber and texture.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes — sub in black beans or lentils for the beef, and bump up the veggies.
Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet: Your One-Pan Weeknight Hero
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This is comfort food with a healthy-ish twist, and it’s here to save your busy weeknights. We’re talking seasoned ground beef, tender chunks of sweet potato, onions, garlic, a handful of spices, and maybe some melty cheese on top if you’re feeling it. All in one skillet. No complicated steps, no mountain of dishes. It’s hearty, satisfying, slightly sweet, savory, and endlessly customizable. Basically, this is that “throw-it-together-but-still-feel-like-you-tried” kind of meal we all need in our back pocket.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water or broth (to help steam the potatoes)
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped parsley, avocado slices, hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as you go. Drain excess grease if needed, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Sprinkle in your spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper) and stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in the water or broth, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Top and Serve
If using cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and cover for a minute until it melts. Top with parsley, avocado, or a dash of hot sauce, and serve it straight from the pan like a boss.
Notes
– Serve it as is for a complete meal
– Spoon it over rice or quinoa for a double-carb delight
– Wrap it in tortillas for quick burritos or tacos
– Top it with a fried egg for the ultimate breakfast-for-dinner move
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~390 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~23g