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For this dish, you need: - 1 lb ground beef (80% lean) - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced This blend of beef and veggies gives you a nice mix of flavors. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that works well with the beef. To bring out the flavors, gather these spices: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste These spices give depth to the dish. The smoked paprika adds warmth, while cumin brings an earthy tone. For a fresh touch, consider: - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Cilantro adds a bright flavor and a pop of color. You can skip it if you prefer. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by grabbing a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The oil will help cook the veggies and beef nicely. Next, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften a bit but not brown. Then, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells great. This will give your dish a nice flavor base. Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the empty side. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it turns brown, about 5-6 minutes. If there's extra grease, drain it. Season the beef with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors blend. Finally, add 2 medium sweet potatoes that you peeled and diced. Stir everything together in the skillet. Cover it with a lid, and lower the heat. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. This will steam the sweet potatoes and make them tender. Stir occasionally to cook evenly. Once they are soft, give it a final stir and check for seasoning. Then, remove it from the heat. If you like, add fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy your meal hot from the skillet! Cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft. This usually takes 10 to 12 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally to help them cook evenly. If you want a quicker option, you can microwave the diced sweet potatoes for about 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will cut down your cooking time significantly. Add depth to your dish with extra spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat, or a splash of soy sauce for umami. Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can also brighten the flavors. If you want a smoky taste, consider adding a bit more smoked paprika. Always taste as you go to find the right balance for your palate. Use a large skillet for even cooking. A non-stick skillet makes it easy to stir and prevents sticking. Make sure you have a good spatula for breaking up the beef. A sharp knife will help when chopping vegetables. Lastly, a lid is essential for steaming the sweet potatoes. This will keep them tender and delicious. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Always opt for fresh over frozen when possible. Tip Title: Adjust Spices to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Start with smaller amounts of spices and adjust to your liking as you cook. Tip Title: Sauté for Flavor: Sautéing garlic and onions before adding the meat adds depth to the flavor of the dish. Don’t rush this step! Tip Title: Perfect Sweet Potato Texture: To ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly, try cutting them into uniform pieces. This helps them cook through at the same rate. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Try using ground turkey for a leaner option. Ground chicken works well, too. If you want a meat-free meal, use lentils or black beans. Both add great texture and protein. Tofu is another good choice. Just make sure to press it first to remove extra water. This way, it will soak up all the flavors. You can mix in other veggies for more flavor and color. Zucchini adds a nice crunch. Broccoli florets can give a healthy boost. Carrots are sweet and colorful. You can even use frozen mixed veggies if you're in a hurry. Just toss them in with the sweet potatoes. They will cook down nicely and add variety. Changing the spices can give this dish a whole new vibe. For a southwest flair, try taco seasoning instead of the spices listed. Italian seasoning can provide a fresh taste, especially with tomatoes. Curry powder can lend an exotic twist. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends to make it unique. Just remember to taste as you go to balance the flavors. You can keep your Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure the dish cools down before you seal it. This way, it won’t get soggy. To freeze this meal, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about three months in the freezer. For best results, label the container with the date. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat the skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it heats through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavors bright and the sweet potatoes tender. To make a healthier version, you can swap the ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. Use sweet potatoes, as they are full of vitamins. You can also add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra fiber. Using less oil will cut down on fat. Finally, try using less salt and more herbs to keep the flavor strong. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it and let it cool down. Then, store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet or microwave. This makes it great for meal prep or busy nights. You can serve this dish with a side salad for freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess. For a crunchy twist, serve with tortilla chips. You can also pair it with avocado slices for a healthy fat boost. Enjoy it however you like! In this post, we explored a tasty Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. We covered the key ingredients like beef, veggies, spices, and garnishes. Next, we walked through each step, from prepping the skillet to perfecting the dish. I shared tips on cooking times and flavor boosts. You can also try variations with different proteins and vegetables. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Enjoy making this dish, and feel free to experiment with your own twists!

Savory Sweet Potato Beef Skillet

A delicious and hearty skillet dish featuring ground beef, sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, seasoned to perfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease if necessary, and season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Cover the skillet with a lid, reducing the heat to low to allow the sweet potatoes to steam and cook through, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are tender, give the skillet a final stir, adjust seasoning if necessary, and remove from heat.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if using, and serve hot from the skillet.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword beef, one-pan meal, skillet, sweet potatoes