Name: Sweet Potato and Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred); 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into small cubes); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for mild heat); 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping, optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Sweet potato and ground beef come together in this delicious one-pan meal that will change your weeknight dinners forever. This hearty skillet combines savory seasoned beef with tender, naturally sweet potatoes, creating a balanced dish that’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.

I discovered this recipe on a busy Tuesday evening when I needed something quick but satisfying. My family was tired of the same old pasta and rice dishes. That’s when I grabbed a pound of ground beef and some sweet potatoes from my pantry. What happened next surprised us all.

The combination works beautifully because the earthy sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory, spiced beef perfectly. You get a complete meal in one pan, ready in under 45 minutes. No complicated techniques. No fancy ingredients. Just real food that tastes incredible.

Ingredients

This ground beef and veggies combination requires simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)

• 3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium)

• 1/2 cup onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced (or bell pepper)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

• 1 cup water

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro

• Sliced avocado

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Lime wedges

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Don’t have poblano peppers? Use bell peppers instead. Want more vegetables? Add zucchini or spinach. The base of beef and sweet potatoes stays the same, but you can customize everything else to your taste and what’s in your fridge.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful skillet meal:

Step 1: Brown the Beef Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Ground beef and diced onions browning in a nonstick skillet with wooden spoon

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Sweet Potatoes Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, taco seasoning, and water. Mix everything together so the seasoning coats the beef and potatoes evenly.

Step 3: Add Vegetables Toss in the frozen corn and diced poblano pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender Cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and the water mostly absorbed. Check by piercing a potato cube with a fork. It should slide in easily.

Step 5: Reduce Liquid Remove the lid and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. This allows any remaining liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Turn off the heat and let the cheese melt from the residual heat. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

This easy ground beef recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. One pan, six simple steps, and dinner is ready.

Shredded cheese melting over cooked sweet potato and ground beef mixture in skillet

Pro Tips and Variations

Master these hamburger meat sweet potato recipes with these expert tips:

For Perfect Sweet Potatoes:

• Cut cubes uniformly (about 1/2 inch) so they cook evenly

• Don’t skip the covered simmering step or they’ll stay hard

• Pierce with a fork to test doneness instead of guessing

Protein Variations: Try these recipes with ground beef healthy alternatives:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option

• Swap half the beef for black beans (adds fiber and cuts calories)

• Try ground bison for a richer, gamey flavor

• Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version

Heat Level Adjustments:

• Mild: Use bell peppers instead of poblano, skip hot toppings

• Medium: Keep the recipe as written

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, top with hot sauce

Vegetable Boosters: Make your ground beef sweet potato recipes even more nutritious:

• Stir in baby spinach during the last 2 minutes

• Add diced zucchini with the corn

• Mix in black beans for extra protein and fiber

• Include diced tomatoes for more moisture

Cheese Options:

• Sharp cheddar adds tangy flavor

• Mexican blend brings variety

• Pepper jack gives a spicy kick

• Queso fresco offers authentic taste

Make It Ahead: This dish stores beautifully. Cook it on Sunday and enjoy it all week. The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole batch on the stovetop.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Buy sweet potatoes in bulk when they’re on sale. Ground beef often goes on sale too. Stock up and freeze what you don’t use immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these sweet potato dinner ideas into complete meals:

As a Main Dish: Serve the skillet directly from the pan with a simple side salad. The beef and sweet potatoes provide enough substance that you don’t need much else. Add a squeeze of fresh lime over the top for brightness.

Taco Night: Spoon the mixture into warm tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of sour cream. You’ve got incredible tacos in minutes.

Burrito Bowls: Layer the skillet mixture over cilantro-lime rice. Add black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese. This turns it into a filling burrito bowl that rivals any restaurant version.

Nacho Supreme: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with the beef and sweet potato mixture, extra cheese, and broil until bubbly. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps. Romaine or butter lettuce works great. This keeps dinner ideas with sweet potatoes light and fresh.

With Cornbread: Pair this skillet with homemade or store-bought cornbread. The slight sweetness complements the savory beef beautifully.

Meal Prep Bowls: Divide into four containers. Add different toppings to each for variety throughout the week. One day try avocado, another day add salsa, and keep rotating your toppings.

Side Dish Pairings:

• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Mexican street corn

• Spanish rice

• Refried beans

Topping Bar for Guests: Set out bowls of cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, hot sauce, and extra cheese. Let everyone customize their plate. This makes your sweet potato dinner ideas party-ready.

Conclusion

This sweet potato and ground beef skillet proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. You don’t need expensive cuts of meat or hours in the kitchen to feed your family well.

What makes beef and sweet potato recipes like this one special is how they balance nutrition with flavor. You get protein, complex carbs, vegetables, and satisfaction all in one pan. The Tex-Mex seasonings keep things interesting, while the one-pan approach keeps cleanup easy.

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and it never gets old. Sometimes I add extra vegetables. Other times I change the cheese or spice level. The foundation stays the same, but each version feels fresh and exciting.

Try this recipe tonight. Start with the basic version, then experiment with the variations. You’ll soon understand why sweet potatoes and ground beef have become a staple combination in kitchens everywhere.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It works for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or casual dinner parties. Once you master it, you’ll have a reliable dinner solution that everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes? Yes, but the flavor changes significantly. Regular potatoes work fine, but you’ll lose the natural sweetness that balances the savory beef. If using regular potatoes, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or reducing the taco seasoning slightly.

How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.

Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture stays great, making this perfect for meal prep.

Can I make this in advance? Yes. Prepare the entire dish, then refrigerate before adding the cheese. When ready to serve, reheat in the skillet and add fresh cheese on top. This sweet potato dinner reheats beautifully.

How can I make this spicier? Add diced jalapeños with the poblano pepper, use pepper jack cheese, include a dash of cayenne in the seasoning, or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Is this recipe kid-friendly? Very much so. The cheese and slightly sweet potatoes appeal to most children. If your kids are sensitive to spice, reduce the taco seasoning or use a mild version.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning? Make your own by mixing: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Can I use ground turkey instead? Yes, ground turkey works perfectly. The cooking method stays the same. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of oil since turkey is leaner than beef.

Sweet potato and ground beef skillet topped with melted cheese, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream

John