Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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Welcome the Flavors of Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

When I’m craving a dinner that’s both hearty and full of cozy, homey vibes, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s the kind of dish that bubbles with warm spices and golden crisp edges, satisfying everyone at the table without fuss. Whether you’re tossing it together for a quick weeknight meal or craving something vibrant and comforting on a cooler evening, you’ll enjoy how all the ingredients marry perfectly in one skillet.

I love how the naturally sweet notes of the diced sweet potatoes complement the rich, savory ground beef, all spiced up with chili powder and cumin. It’s a simple recipe that packs punch and coaxing every delicious bit out of your ingredients in under 30 minutes. If you’ve got kids or picky eaters, it’s also an easy crowd-pleaser thanks to its balanced flavors and cheesy finish.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it all comes together in one skillet. You can’t ask for much more from a busy weeknight meal, right?

Market Basket & Pantry Picks

Before hitting the kitchen, let’s talk ingredients you’ll want to pick up or check in your pantry. Freshness makes a big difference here, especially with the sweet potatoes and ground beef. If you’re choosing beef, lean varieties work best to keep the skillet from feeling greasy but still juicy enough to be delicious. That fire roasted diced tomatoes in a can bring a smoky, tangy depth that’s hard to beat—but diced fresh tomatoes can work in a pinch.

• Olive Oil: Use a good quality one for that lovely fragrant base.
• Diced Onion: Yellow onions are perfect for this savory-sweet combo.
• Lean Ground Beef: 85-90% lean keeps the skillet balanced.
• Chili Powder & Ground Cumin: These spices bring warmth and earthiness.
• Sweet Potatoes: Peeled and diced for tender, soft bites.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds smoky, juicy juicy flavor.
• Diced Green Chiles: Bump up the mild heat and brightness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy finish.
• Cilantro (optional): Fresh garnish to add a burst of color and zest.

Cook Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe Step by Step

Ready to jump into the kitchen? This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe comes together quickly with just one pan—and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure it’s bubbling with flavor and perfectly tender every time.

1. Heat and Sauté: Warm your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Toss in the diced onions and ground beef, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon. This sizzling symphony will soon smell irresistible as you brown the beef until it’s just about cooked through.
2. Spice it Up: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the beef and onion, letting the spices toast gently—a fragrant moment you’re going to love.
3. Add Garlic: Right before the beef is fully browned, add the grated garlic and cook for about a minute. That burst of garlicky aroma is a personal favorite—and it perks up the whole skillet.
4. Set Aside the Beef: Remove the beef mixture onto a plate and give your skillet a quick wipe clean. This keeps the sweet potatoes from sticking and helps the flavors stay distinct as they cook.
5. Simmer the Sweet Potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes, canned diced green chiles, and 1/4 cup water to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin along with salt and pepper. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until those sweet potato chunks are tender and flavorful.
6. Combine and Cheese: Stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for about a minute. The cheesy top adds a luscious, creamy texture that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the skillet for a fresh burst of herbal brightness if you like, and dig in!

Serving the Dish with Flair

Once you’ve got that bubbly melted cheese and tender sweet potatoes ready, it’s time to share the love at the table. I like serving this skillet straight from the pan—that rustic vibe is part of what makes it so inviting. Plus, you can dish out just the right portions and everyone gets that cozy, homemade feeling.

Fun Variations with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add a handful of black beans or corn kernels for extra texture and fiber.
• Mix in chopped bell peppers or zucchini during the simmer step to boost veggies.
• Stir in a splash of lime juice and a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky-citrus twist.
• Top with sliced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for added heat.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave to keep textures intact.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat Best: To revive that melty cheese texture, cover the skillet with a lid or microwave cover while warming.
• Prep Ahead: Dice your onions and sweet potatoes in advance and store in sealed bags to cut prep time on busy days.

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe FAQs

• Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes? Absolutely! Just note that regular potatoes will have a different texture and a more neutral flavor, but they’ll still cook beautifully in this skillet.
• Is this recipe spicy? It’s mildly spiced with chili powder and cumin but not overly hot. You can adjust the chili powder amount or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check canned goods for hidden additives if you’re sensitive.
• What’s the best way to ensure sweet potatoes cook evenly? Cut them into uniform small cubes—around ½-inch pieces—and cover the skillet while simmering to trap steam.
• Can I use fresh garlic instead of grated? Grated garlic works best to evenly distribute flavor because it melts into the dish quickly, but minced fresh garlic is a good substitute if you prefer bigger bites of garlic.

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