Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredible Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet! It’s a sweet and savory sensation, packed with flavor, and perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table ASAP.

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

This savory and sweet skillet isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight savior. Here are just a few reasons why it’s about to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Lightning Fast: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! Everything cooks in a single skillet, simplifying cleanup.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes beautifully complements the savory ground beef and aromatic spices.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the sweet potatoes and bell pepper.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences or whatever vegetables you have on hand.
• Effortless Expertise: Simple steps mean even novice cooks can achieve delicious, restaurant-quality results.
• Satisfying & Wholesome: A truly filling meal that will leave you feeling nourished and content.

Gather Your Ingredients for this One-Pan Ground Beef Meal

Creating this delicious skillet starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful selection tips:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a lighter dish, or opt for 80/20 if you prefer a richer flavor.
• 2 medium (approx. 500g) sweet potatoes: Peel and dice them small for quick cooking. Select firm, blemish-free sweet potatoes.
• 1 (approx. 150g / 1 cup) onion, diced: A yellow or white onion works best, providing a balanced, sweet-savory base.
• 1 (approx. 150g / 1 cup) bell pepper, chopped: Any color bell pepper works! Red, yellow, or orange will add a touch more sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: For that essential aromatic punch.
• 1 tsp paprika: Adds a warm, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful color.
• 1/2 tsp cumin: Delivers earthy depth that ties the flavors together.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously to enhance all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control the overall saltiness of your dish.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Choose vibrant, fresh parsley for the best aroma and a pop of green before serving.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Another delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes with a savory twist.

Essential Equipment for Your Speedy Skillet Dinner

While this recipe is simple, having the right tools makes the process even smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large skillet (10-12 inch / 25-30 cm): This is your star! A large skillet ensures all ingredients cook evenly and have enough space to brown beautifully.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring, breaking up beef, and scraping up flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For efficiently dicing your sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper.
• Lid for your skillet: Crucial for simmering the sweet potatoes to tender perfection.

Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Overview

Get ready for a super-speedy meal! Here’s a quick look at what to expect:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to bring this flavorful skillet meal to life in your kitchen.

1. Brown the Beef

   1. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
   2. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice it changing from pink to a rich, cooked brown.
   3. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This keeps your dish lighter and less greasy.

2. Sauté the Veggies & Season

   1. Add the diced sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper directly into the skillet with the browned beef.
   2. Stir well, coating the vegetables in the residual beef drippings.
   3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the spices are fragrant and evenly distributed, about 1 minute.

3. Simmer to Perfection

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   1. Pour the beef broth into the skillet. Give it a final stir to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
   2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet tightly with a lid.
   3. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Pro-Tip: If the liquid seems to be reducing too quickly, you can add a splash more beef broth or water.

4. Reduce & Garnish

   1. Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Cook for 2 more minutes, allowing any remaining liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.
   2. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
   3. Garnish generously with fresh, chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.

CHECK OUT: Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes – For a delightful sweet potato side dish.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Elevate your skillet game with these pro tips:

• Small Dice is Key: Ensure your sweet potatoes are diced into roughly 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) cubes. This guarantees they cook through at the same rate as the ground beef, maintaining the “quick” in the recipe title.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If doubling the recipe, consider using two skillets or cooking the beef and veggies in batches to ensure proper browning and not steaming.
• Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your personal preference.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While optional, fresh parsley truly brightens the dish and adds a vibrant finishing touch.

Delicious Variations & Easy Substitutions for Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Spice Profile Swap: Instead of paprika and cumin, try chili powder and a dash of oregano for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in a handful of spinach, kale, or frozen corn during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Different Protein: Ground turkey or ground chicken can easily be swapped for the ground beef.
• Creamy Touch: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your beef broth label to confirm.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your plate:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Rice or Quinoa: For an extra hearty meal, serve alongside a bed of fluffy white rice or nutritious quinoa.
• Warm Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices.
• Avocado Slices: Top each serving with creamy avocado for healthy fats and a cooling element.
• Non-Alcoholic Drink: Pair with unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a refreshing fruit juice.

Health Benefits of This Nutritious Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it also boasts some fantastic health benefits:

• High in Protein: Lean ground beef provides essential protein for muscle repair and satiety.
• Fiber Rich: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Vitamin Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes and bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, boosting immunity.
• Complex Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes offer sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes.
• Balanced Meal: This skillet provides a great balance of macronutrients – protein, healthy carbs, and fats.

Storage & Reheating Your Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Make a double batch and enjoy leftovers all week! Here’s how to store and reheat:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Transfer cooled skillet meal to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the mixture, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave until warm.

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

Curious about perfecting your skillet meal? Here are some common questions we hear from readers:

• Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

  
  

  

  
  

  Yes, you can! If using frozen diced sweet potatoes, you might need to cook them a few minutes longer during the simmering stage, or until they are tender. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand.

  
  

• What if I don’t have beef broth?Vegetable broth or even just water can be used as a substitute for beef broth. The beef flavor will be slightly less pronounced, but still delicious.

• How can I add more vegetables?Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans. Add them alongside the sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper.

• Can I make this spicier?Absolutely! A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper added with the other spices will give it a nice kick.

• Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! Cook a larger batch and divide it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

  
  

More Delicious Dishes to Try

If you loved this quick and easy ground beef skillet, you’re sure to enjoy these other flavorful recipes:

• Old Fashioned Beef Stew – A classic, comforting beef stew that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
• One-Pan Tex-Mex Ground Beef Skillet – Another fantastic one-pan ground beef meal with a zesty Tex-Mex twist.
• Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl with Garlic Veggies & Steamy Rice – For when you’re craving a quick, flavorful stir-fry with ground beef.

Conclusion

This Quick Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is proof that incredibly delicious and wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whip it up tonight and savor the flavors! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more amazing recipes.

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