Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

Taco Tuesday just got a major upgrade with this incredible Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet! It’s a vibrant, healthy, and unbelievably easy one-pan meal that will quickly become a weeknight staple.

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

This savory skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor experience designed for busy lives. Here are just a few reasons why this ground beef and sweet potato taco skillet will win your heart:

• Ready in 30 Minutes: From start to finish, you can have a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table in half an hour, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! All the deliciousness comes together in a single skillet.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and black beans, this meal is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Bursting with Flavor: The classic taco seasoning combined with the natural sweetness of potatoes creates a harmonious and addictive taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common pantry staples like ground beef, beans, and corn keeps your grocery bill in check.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences with various toppings or spice levels.
• Comfort Food Remastered: It delivers all the comforting satisfaction of tacos in a lighter, more balanced format.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters often enjoy the familiar flavors and vibrant colors of this engaging dish.

Ingredients Needed for Your Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success! This ground beef taco skillet relies on simple, wholesome items you likely already have.

• 1 lb (450g) Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess fat.
• 2 Large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups / 450g): Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Dicing them evenly ensures uniform cooking.
• 1 Large Onion, diced (about 1.5 cups / 150g): A yellow or white onion works best here, providing a foundational savory note.
• 1 (15 oz / 425g) Can Black Beans, drained and rinsed: Rinsing removes excess sodium and starch, leading to a cleaner flavor.
• 1 cup (160g) Corn Kernels, fresh or frozen: Frozen corn is a convenient choice; no need to thaw before adding.
• 1 Packet (approx. 1 oz / 28g) Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite brand, or make your own for a sodium-controlled option.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Beef Broth: This adds moisture and deepens the savory notes of the dish, helping to create a luscious sauce.
• 1 cup (115g) Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Discover another delicious way to enjoy the humble sweet potato!

Essential Equipment for a Seamless Skillet Experience

Having the right tools makes all the difference for this sweet potato taco skillet. Here’s what you’ll need to get cooking:

• Large Skillet (10-12 inch / 25-30cm): A heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and easy serving.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for efficiently peeling and dicing sweet potatoes and onion.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable and safe surface for all your chopping needs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring, breaking up ground beef, and scraping the bottom of the skillet.
• Lid for Skillet (or aluminum foil): Necessary for melting the cheese and locking in moisture and flavor.

Recipe Overview: Your Quick Guide to This Taco Skillet

Let’s get a snapshot of how quickly this satisfying sweet potato and ground beef skillet comes together:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Taco Skillet Masterpiece

Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a sensational meal! Follow these easy steps to create your perfect ground beef and sweet potato taco skillet:

Step 1: Tenderize the Sweet Potatoes

1. Dice the peeled sweet potatoes into small, even 1/2-inch cubes. Remember, smaller cubes mean faster cooking!
2. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes with a splash of water (about 1/4 cup / 60ml).
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender, typically about 8-10 minutes. If any water remains, drain it.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

1. Push the tender sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet, creating space in the center.
2. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion to the open side of the skillet.
3. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion has softened and turned translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Pro-Tip: Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep your dish light and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer for Flavor

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1. Stir the browned beef and onion together with the cooked sweet potatoes.
2. Add the drained black beans, corn kernels, the entire packet of taco seasoning, and the beef broth to the skillet.
3. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the taco seasoning is evenly distributed and coating all the ingredients.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken beautifully and all the vibrant flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Garnish

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the simmering skillet mixture.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid (or tightly with aluminum foil) and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, warm, and bubbly.
3. Remove from heat. For a fresh finish, garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of cool sour cream.
4. Serve your sensational Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet immediately, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra zing!

CHECK OUT: Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Explore another delicious and hearty sweet potato creation!

Tips for Success with Your Taco Skillet

Achieve perfection with your ground beef and sweet potato taco skillet every time by keeping these expert tips in mind:

• Uniform Dice: Cut your sweet potatoes into small, even cubes (about 1/2 inch) for consistent and quicker cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet is too small, cook the sweet potatoes and beef in batches to ensure they brown properly rather than steam.
• Taste and Adjust: Before topping with cheese, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt, a dash of chili powder, or a squeeze of lime can elevate the flavors.
• Leaner Meat, Less Drain: Using very lean ground beef (90/10 or higher) means less grease to drain, simplifying your process.

Variations & Substitutions for Your Taco Skillet

This sweet potato taco skillet is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to various tastes and dietary needs:

• Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion, or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
• Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef for a lighter alternative.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese substitute.
• Grain-Free: This recipe is naturally grain-free! Serve it as is or over cauliflower rice.
• Bean Alternatives: Kidney beans or pinto beans can be used in place of black beans.

Serving Suggestions for the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

This ground beef and sweet potato taco skillet is fantastic on its own, but these additions can make it even better:

• Fresh Toppings: Offer a build-your-own topping bar with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lime.
• Crunchy Elements: Serve with crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
• Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
• Grains: For a heartier meal, serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Pair with a vibrant aguas frescas, sparkling water with lime, or a refreshing iced tea.

Health Benefits of This Taco Skillet

Beyond its delicious taste, this ground beef and sweet potato taco skillet offers a host of nutritional advantages:

• High in Protein: Lean ground beef and black beans provide essential protein for muscle repair and satiety.
• Fiber-Rich: Sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
• Vitamin-Packed: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, while corn adds B vitamins and antioxidants.
• Balanced Meal: Offers a good mix of macronutrients – protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats – for sustained energy.
• Gluten-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free taco seasoning.

Storage & Reheating Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Enjoying your ground beef taco skillet for days to come is easy with these tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This skillet freezes well! Once cooled completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating (Stovetop): For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Reheating (Microwave): Portion individual servings into microwave-safe dishes and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

Got questions about whipping up this incredible sweet potato and ground beef skillet? We’ve got answers!

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

  
  

  Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent lean alternatives and will work beautifully in this recipe.

• Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?

  
  

  Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added fiber and rustic appeal. Just ensure they are thoroughly scrubbed clean.

• What if I don’t have beef broth?

  
  

  Vegetable broth or even just water can be used as a substitute, though beef broth will add a richer depth of flavor.

• Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

  
  

  Yes, this skillet is fantastic for meal prep! Cook it fully, let it cool, then portion into airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

• How do I make it less watery?

  
  

  Ensure you drain any excess water from the sweet potatoes after cooking them initially, and any grease from the ground beef. Simmering for the full 5 minutes helps thicken the sauce.

  
  

More Delicious Dishes to Try

If you loved this ground beef and sweet potato taco skillet, you’re in for a treat with these other flavorful recipes!

• Pan Fried Beef Tacos – Get ready for crispy, savory, and utterly irresistible classic beef tacos.
• Easy Taco Casserole That Makes Weeknights Exciting Again – A comforting and simple casserole that brings all your favorite taco flavors into one dish.
• Korean Ground Beef Bowl – A quick and flavorful ground beef dish with an Asian twist, perfect for a fast and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is truly a weeknight hero, bringing together health, flavor, and convenience in one amazing dish. We hope you and your family adore this recipe as much as we do! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious inspiration.

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