Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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If you’re craving something cozy, wholesome, and downright satisfying, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet will hit the spot. It combines the heartiness of ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes in a skillet that brings dinner together in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a simple meal prep idea, this dish is a must-try.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you get a balanced meal with rich flavors, tender bites, and that comfort food warmth we all crave after a long day. You can also customize it with your favorite vegetables or add a touch of spice to turn up the heat.

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

This dish is quick, nourishing, and budget-friendly. The combo of protein and fiber keeps you full for hours, and the mix of textures makes every bite satisfying. It’s also gluten-free, and if you’re into meal prepping, this one stores and reheats beautifully.

Can I Use Different Types of Sweet Potatoes or Beef?

Absolutely. You can use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for a softer texture or Japanese sweet potatoes for a firmer bite and slight nuttiness. For the beef, lean ground beef works best to avoid extra grease, but you could substitute with ground turkey or chicken without losing flavor.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet brings flavor from simple, clean ingredients. Each one plays a role in building a dish that’s nourishing yet exciting on the palate.

  • Ground beef
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic cloves
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • Spinach (optional)

These ingredients help create a sweet and savory balance while adding depth from spices. You can also toss in spinach at the end for added color and nutrients.

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How To Make the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once fully cooked, remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Add cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Stir and cover with a lid, cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the skillet and stir everything together. If you’re using spinach, add it in now and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve straight from the skillet for a warm and rustic feel.

How to Serve and Store This Skillet Meal

This skillet is best served hot and fresh, but leftovers are a dream. It can feed up to 4 people generously. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats perfectly in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Steamed Broccoli

Adds vibrant green color and a fresh crunch.

Avocado Slices

Creamy and cooling, perfect with the warm spices in the skillet.

Cornbread

A sweet and hearty side to soak up all the flavors.

Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery bite balances the richness of the beef.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

A dollop on top adds creamy tanginess.

Pickled Red Onions

A bright punch of acidity cuts through the savory notes.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized edges and tender centers bring a different texture to the table.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this one-pan meal, check out these flavorful options from my kitchen:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in extra veggies or top it with cheese? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and dinner favorites on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite comfort meal.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate mix of comfort and convenience. It’s quick to make, deeply satisfying, and flexible enough for your own twist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this skillet delivers every time.

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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet 1

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a one-pan healthy dinner idea that combines lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices for a flavorful and nourishing meal. Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights, this gluten-free skillet is comforting, quick, and easy to customize.


Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups fresh spinach (optional)


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

3. Add diced sweet potatoes. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cover. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir to combine.

5. Add spinach if using, and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prep and reheats well.

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Use a lid when cooking the potatoes to speed up the process.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skillet portion (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
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