Savory Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet: Irresistible 30-Minute Meal!

Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup? This Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet checks all the boxes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe balances savory ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices in a single pan. It’s gluten-free, adaptable for paleo or Whole30 diets, and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients for Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

(Serves 4–6)
Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes)
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for added greens)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Black beans or kidney beans for extra fiber
• A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and measure out your spices. Having everything ready before cooking streamlines the process.

2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat.
• Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and caramelize.
• Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set aside.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

• In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned.
• Drain excess grease if needed, leaving about 1 tbsp for flavor.

4. Sauté the Veggies

• Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
• Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute to deepen their flavor.

5. Combine Everything

• Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
• Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid reduces slightly.

6. Add Greens (Optional)

Fold in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and let it melt before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

1. Dice Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Uniform pieces ensure they cook at the same rate.
2. Don’t Skip the Spices: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth, while cumin ties the flavors together.
3. Customize the Heat: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for a spicier kick.
4. Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Why This Recipe Works

The Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a nutritional powerhouse:

• Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Ground Beef: High in protein, iron, and B vitamins.
• Spinach: Adds a boost of vitamin K and folate.

The combination of savory beef, subtly sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a balanced flavor profile that appeals to both adults and kids.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this skillet meal with:

• A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Warm tortillas or crusty bread
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream

Dietary Adaptations

• Paleo/Whole30: Use compliant broth and omit cheese.
• Low-Carb: Reduce sweet potato quantity and add cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with lentils or mushrooms.

Nutritional Information

(Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet Nutritional Information, Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fat: 22g

Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s a time-saving, nutrient-dense solution for hectic evenings. With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to tweak the spices or add-ins to make it your own!

Hungry for more? Explore our other skillet recipes or share your twist on this dish in the comments below!

Recipe Card

Savory Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet: Irresistible 30-Minute Meal!

Cuisine: American

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

A quick, one-pan dinner with savory ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and nutrient-packed spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (85% lean)

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled, diced)

• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 red bell pepper (diced)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté diced sweet potatoes for 8–10 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
• Brown ground beef in the same skillet. Drain excess grease, leaving 1 tbsp.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, then stir in spices.
• Pour in beef broth and tomatoes, scraping browned bits. Return sweet potatoes to skillet.
• Simmer 10–12 minutes until sauce thickens. Fold in spinach (optional) and garnish with herbs.