Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Crafting a delightful ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Flavor-packed ingredients dance together in one pan, creating magic with minimal cleanup.

Hearty proteins mingle with earthy, caramelized sweet potatoes for a meal that satisfies deeply.

Seasonal vegetables add unexpected brightness to this comforting dish.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Lean ground beef provides robust nutrition while sweet potatoes contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color.

Come savor this effortless skillet masterpiece that promises to become your new dinnertime favorite.

Ground Beef And Sweet Potatoes Skillet Stores Just Fine

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the skillet meal will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Freeze the skillet meal in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

What’s Ideal for Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet

  • Savor Southwest Beer Pairing: Reach for a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to complement the spicy taco seasoning and cut through the rich ground beef.
  • Create Zesty Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec, which handles the sweet potatoes' earthiness and balances the dish's robust flavors perfectly.
  • Craft Fresh Margarita Companion: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave to echo the skillet's southwestern profile and enhance its vibrant peppers and corn.
  • Design Herbal Mocktail Option: Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, sparkling water, and a dash of jalapeño for a non-alcoholic drink that mirrors the recipe's bright, spicy elements.

Coconut Chicken Tweaks

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's hearty flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Bean Alternative: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based protein option that delivers similar texture and nutritional value.
  • Gluten-Free Seasoning Option: Use certified gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Turkey Lean Protein Variation: Switch ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat protein alternative that keeps the meal's robust southwestern-inspired taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.

  • How spicy is this dish with the poblano pepper?

The poblano pepper adds a mild to medium heat. If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds before chopping or skip the pepper entirely.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check your taco seasoning label to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten-based additives.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skillet and reheat it later. The flavors will meld together, potentially making it even more delicious when reheated.

Ground Beef And Sweet Potatoes Skillet With Comforting Warmth

  • Speedy One-Pan Meal: Whip up this delicious ground beef and sweet potato skillet in just 30 minutes, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time during busy weeknights.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of protein-packed ground beef, sweet potatoes, and zesty taco seasoning that creates a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
  • Versatile Customization: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients like using different peppers, trying alternative cheeses, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Nutrient-Rich Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein from ground beef, vitamins from sweet potatoes, and added vegetables, this skillet offers a balanced and wholesome meal in one simple dish.

What Builds A Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein source with deep meat flavor, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and savory foundation to the dish.
Vegetable Components:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Hearty, nutritious root vegetable with natural sweetness and soft texture when cooked.
  • Poblano Pepper: Mild chili pepper providing subtle heat and earthy green pepper flavor.
  • Frozen Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that adds texture and bright color to the skillet.
Seasoning and Finishing Elements:
  • Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile, homemade version offers more control over salt and spice levels.
  • Water: Necessary liquid for creating sauce and helping vegetables cook evenly.
  • Shredded Cheese: Optional creamy topping that melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor.
Garnish Options:
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb with bright, citrusy notes that enhances overall dish freshness.
  • Avocado: Creamy, rich topping that provides smooth texture and healthy fat.
  • Sour Cream: Cool, tangy condiment that balances spices and adds creamy contrast.

Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until it turns a rich golden brown.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, fragrant notes throughout the skillet.

Step 3: Create the Hearty Base

Add sweet potatoes, zesty taco seasoning, and a splash of water.

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer and meld together.

Cook until the sweet potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor Profile

Introduce vibrant ingredients:
  • Frozen corn
  • Diced poblano pepper

Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and blend their flavors.

Step 5: Melt and Finish

If desired, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the top.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into a creamy blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate the skillet creation and garnish with:
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Creamy avocado slices
  • A dollop of sour cream

Serve immediately while piping hot and bursting with Southwestern charm.

Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet – Tips

  • Use a colander to remove all greasy residue from ground beef, ensuring a lighter, healthier dish.
  • Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Customize taco seasoning by using mild, medium, or hot variants to match your preferred heat intensity.
  • Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a delicious meat-free alternative that maintains the dish's robust flavor profile.
  • Let the skillet sit covered for an extra minute after adding cheese to create a smooth, fully melted topping that coats every ingredient.
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet delivers comfort in one pan, blending savory meat with caramelized root vegetables. Spices and simple ingredients create a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups (450 grams) sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium-sized potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen corn

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (or 1 packet store-bought)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese (optional)

Serving Options:

  • Cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious iron pan over medium flame and crumble ground beef, sautéing until thoroughly caramelized and releasing golden-brown edges.
  2. Eliminate excess animal fat through careful draining, preserving the meat’s rich texture.
  3. Introduce finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, simmering until translucent and fragrant, creating a flavor-rich foundation.
  4. Incorporate cubed sweet potatoes with zesty taco seasoning and necessary liquid, then seal with a tight-fitting lid to allow gentle steaming and tenderization.
  5. After potatoes soften, blend in vibrant frozen corn kernels and roasted poblano peppers, continuing to cook until vegetables reach perfect consistency.
  6. Optional: Generously cascade shredded cheese across the skillet’s surface, allowing gentle melting and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
  7. Transfer the colorful, rustic mixture to serving plates, embellishing with fresh cilantro sprigs, creamy avocado slices, and a dollop of tangy sour cream.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter meal that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using homemade blend to control sodium and heat intensity.
  • Dice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, vibrant skillet dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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