Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder

A ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory ground beef with the naturally sweet flavor of sweet potatoes, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it a weeknight dinner champion.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This recipe stands out for several reasons:

• Ease and Speed: It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic schedules.
• Nutrient-Rich: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, while ground beef provides protein and iron.
• Versatility: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, spices, and toppings.
• One-Pan Meal: Reduces cleanup, a major plus for busy cooks.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses readily available and affordable ingredients.

Mastering the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Here’s a detailed guide to creating the perfect ground beef and sweet potato skillet:

Ingredient Essentials

• • Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. About 1 pound is ideal.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into roughly ½-inch cubes, work best. This ensures even cooking. Aim for about 2 medium sweet potatoes.
  • Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients form the flavor base. One medium onion, diced, and 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced, are perfect.
  • Bell Pepper (Optional): Adds color and crunch. Choose your favorite color (red, yellow, or orange) and dice it.
  • Spices: A blend of spices enhances the flavor profile. Common choices include:

   Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth. 1 teaspoon.

   Chili Powder: Provides a touch of heat. ½ - 1 teaspoon, depending on preference.

   Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor. ½ teaspoon.

   Onion Powder: Complements the onion. ½ teaspoon.

   Cumin: Adds earthy warmth. ½ teaspoon.

   Salt and Pepper: To taste.

• • Olive Oil: For sautéing. About 2 tablespoons.
  • Broth or Water: Helps to steam the sweet potatoes and create a slight sauce. ½ cup.
  • Optional Toppings: These can elevate the dish:

   Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.

   Avocado: Provides creaminess and healthy fats.

   Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy coolness.

   Shredded Cheese: Adds cheesy goodness. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are great choices.

   Hot Sauce: For an extra kick.

   Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice the onion and bell pepper (if using). Mince the garlic. Measure out your spices.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly.

5. Steam the Sweet Potatoes: Pour in the broth or water. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the skillet becomes too dry, add a little more broth or water.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or hot sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet

• Even Dicing: Consistent dicing of the sweet potatoes ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, it’s best to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add Greens: For an extra boost of nutrients, stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Make it a Complete Meal: Serve the skillet on its own, or with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple salad.

Customizing Your Skillet: Flavor Variations and Adaptations

The ground beef and sweet potato skillet is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to customize it:

• Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, and salsa for a south-of-the-border twist. Top with avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
• Mediterranean: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Season with oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Spicy Southwestern: Use chorizo instead of ground beef. Add diced jalapeños and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Italian: Add Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Top with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles. Ensure broth is vegetable based.

Dietary Considerations

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
• Paleo/Whole30: Ensure your ground beef is grass-fed and omit the cheese and sour cream.
• Lower Carb: Reduce the amount of sweet potato or substitute with cauliflower rice.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This skillet is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve with a side of rice or quinoa.
• Top with a fried egg for added protein.
• Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Add a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen sweet potatoes? Yes, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the skillet ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors may even meld together more as it sits.
• Can I freeze this? Yes, this skillet freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• What can I substitute for sweet potatoes? If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can substitute butternut squash or even regular potatoes.
• How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the skillet? Use a non-stick skillet and stir the mixture occasionally during cooking. Adding a little extra broth or water can also help.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• What kind of ground beef should I use? Lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) is recommended to minimize grease.
• How spicy is this dish? The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of chili powder. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.