A ground beef and sweet potato skillet is one of those meals that checks every box—quick, wholesome, hearty, budget-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a dish built for busy days when you want something satisfying but don’t feel like washing a pile of pots and pans. Packed with protein-rich ground beef, tender caramelized sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, this meal delivers depth and comfort in every bite.
This skillet brings together savory, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors that pair beautifully with the natural richness of beef. Using a cast-iron or heavy skillet helps achieve crisp edges on the sweet potatoes while allowing the beef to brown properly. The result is a well-balanced dish that feels nourishing yet wonderfully indulgent.
Whether you serve it as-is, wrap it in tortillas, spoon it over rice, or enjoy it with a fried egg on top, this skillet becomes an instant weeknight staple.
Why This Skillet Works
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One-pan convenience—easy prep, easy cleanup
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Naturally balanced flavors from sweet potatoes + savory beef
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High in protein and fiber
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Great for meal prep
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Customizable with spices, veggies, or toppings
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Affordable and accessible ingredients
It’s the kind of recipe you can always rely on when you need a comforting yet nourishing dinner.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large cast-iron or heavy skillet
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Cutting board and knife
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Base Skillet Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
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2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning Blend
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
Finishing & Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
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Fresh cilantro or parsley
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Sliced avocado
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Lime wedges
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Fried egg on top for extra protein
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 35–45 minutes
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Servings: 4
How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and caramelize around the edges.
Season lightly with salt and pepper to help draw out moisture and speed up cooking.
Step 2. Add Onion, Bell Pepper, and Garlic
Once the sweet potatoes start to brown, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3. Brown the Ground Beef
Push the vegetables to the edges of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the center and break it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook until the beef is no longer pink and begins to brown—browning adds depth and richness to the dish.
Step 4. Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the entire skillet: paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
Mix everything together until evenly coated, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot pan.
Step 5. Let Everything Simmer
Reduce the heat slightly and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fully tender and all flavors meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6. Finish & Serve
Top with shredded cheese and let it melt, or keep it dairy-free. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, add a squeeze of lime, or top with avocado for creaminess.
Serve hot and enjoy the hearty, comforting blend of savory beef and sweet potatoes.
Tips for the Best Skillet
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Dice sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—proper browning intensifies flavor.
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Use smoked paprika for a deeper, barbecue-like note.
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Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
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Try swapping beef for turkey if you prefer lighter protein.
Flavor Variations
Mexican-Inspired Version
Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning. Serve with tortillas.
BBQ Beef Skillet
Add 2–3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness.
Italian-Style
Use Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella.
Breakfast Skillet
Add eggs, breakfast sausage, or bacon for a morning meal.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve over rice or quinoa
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Wrap in tortillas for hearty tacos or burritos
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Spoon over greens for a warm salad bowl
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Enjoy with crusty bread
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Add a fried egg for a filling breakfast
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigerator
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Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer
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Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying.
This meal reheats beautifully without losing texture or flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Approx., Per Serving)
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Calories: 380–450
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Carbohydrates: 22–28 g
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Protein: 23–28 g
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Total Fat: 22–26 g
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Fiber: 4–6 g
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Sugar: 6–10 g
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Sodium: 450–650 mg
If you enjoy filling, comforting meals, you might also like Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata, Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken, or Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and caramelize around the edges.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to help draw out moisture and speed up cooking.
- Once the sweet potatoes start to brown, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the vegetables to the edges of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the center and break it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the beef is no longer pink and begins to brown—browning adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the entire skillet: paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Mix everything together until evenly coated, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot pan.
- Reduce the heat slightly and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fully tender and all flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Top with shredded cheese and let it melt, or keep it dairy-free. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, add a squeeze of lime, or top with avocado for creaminess.
- Serve hot and enjoy the hearty, comforting blend of savory beef and sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
A ground beef and sweet potato skillet is the perfect blend of simplicity, nutrition, and full-bodied flavor. It’s a one-pan dinner that delivers comfort without sacrificing wholesomeness, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. With its versatility and deeply satisfying taste, this skillet is sure to become a repeat favorite.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I substitute regular potatoes?
Yes—Yukon gold or red potatoes work well, though they won’t offer the same natural sweetness.
2. What lean-to-fat ratio is best for ground beef?
85% lean provides flavor without being too greasy.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Add more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce.
4. Is this skillet freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes and reheats beautifully.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—zucchini, spinach, corn, broccoli, and kale all work well.
6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken make great substitutes for a lighter version.