Some evenings, you just want food that feels like a warm hug without the fuss. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet fits that craving perfectly — a simple, hearty dish that comes together in one pan, leaving you with more time to relax and less to clean up.
I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen filled with the smell of cumin and smoked paprika, mixing with the sweet aroma of caramelizing sweet potatoes. I was halfway through chopping the red bell pepper when my phone buzzed with a text, and I got distracted for a minute — which meant I almost forgot to stir the skillet. That little pause actually gave the sweet potatoes a chance to get a bit crispier on one side, which turned out to be a happy accident. The combination of the tender, slightly charred sweet potatoes with the savory, spiced ground beef was unexpectedly comforting, especially after a long day.
It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t demand perfection but rewards you with layers of flavor and texture. The fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds just the right pop of color and brightness, making it look as good as it tastes.
- One-pan convenience means less cleanup, which feels like a small win on busy nights.
- The warm spices blend beautifully but don’t overwhelm—it’s simple—and that’s kind of the point.
- Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and softness that balance the savory beef perfectly.
- Prep and cook times are reasonable enough for a weeknight meal without rushing.
If you’re a bit wary of one-pan meals because they can sometimes be bland or mushy, this one keeps its texture with tender but firm sweet potato cubes and browned beef. With a little attention, it’s easy to get the timing right and enjoy every bite.
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory ground beef with tender sweet potatoes, seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until they start to soften and brown. Remove sweet potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture.
Sprinkle the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sweet potatoes to become tender.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes: A sturdy skillet works best here—nothing fancy, just something that can handle a bit of browning without sticking too much. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any juices. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach at the end for a quick veggie boost, though I haven’t tested that with all the spices yet. If you want a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or fresh chili could be a nice twist, but I keep it mild for family dinners.
FAQ: Does this reheat well? Yes, leftovers warm up nicely in a skillet or the microwave without losing much flavor. Can I swap ground beef for turkey? You can, but the flavor is a bit leaner and less rich. Are the sweet potatoes critical? They really bring a sweetness and softness that pairs well with the spices, but cubed butternut squash might work too, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Give this skillet a try when you want something straightforward but satisfying. Save it, pin it, and get ready to enjoy a cozy dinner that feels like home.