Easy Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet (One-Pan Dinner)

It is 6pm and you are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast today. This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is your new secret weapon.

The smell of sweet potatoes and cumin feels like a warm hug. It is the perfect meal for a crisp autumn evening. Your whole family will love this simple, hearty dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a total winner for busy schedules. It uses just one single pan. That means fewer dishes for you to wash later. It is also very budget-friendly for families.

Your family gets a nutritious, filling meal without any stress. It is perfect for those busy fall weeknights. Even picky eaters usually love the sweet potato flavor.

Simple Cooking Method

Making this dish is very straightforward and easy. You just sauté, brown, and simmer. It all happens in one skillet on your stove. There is no need to turn on the oven.

The broth helps steam the potatoes perfectly. This makes them tender and delicious every time. Even beginners can master this quick meal with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are mostly simple pantry staples. Use fresh seasonal produce for the best flavor results.

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup low-sodium beef broth

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sweet potato cubes in a single layer.
3. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are browned.
4. Push potatoes to the outer edges of the skillet.
5. Add ground beef to the center of the pan.
6. Break the beef into small crumbles with your spatula.
7. Cook until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
8. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
9. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the mix.
10. Stir everything together with the beef and potatoes.
11. Sprinkle all the spices evenly over the mixture.
12. Toss well to coat everything in the savory spices.
13. Pour in the beef broth and lower the heat.
14. Cover with a tight lid and simmer for 8 minutes.
15. Check that potatoes are fork-tender before removing from heat.
16. Let the dish stand for 2 minutes before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this warm in large, shallow bowls. You can top it with fresh avocado slices. A dollop of sour cream adds a nice tang. It also tastes great with a side salad.

For a complete meal, add some crusty bread. Set the table and enjoy a cozy family dinner. It is simple, fresh, and very satisfying.

Storage & Reheating

This dish stores beautifully in the fridge. Place leftovers in an airtight container for four days. It is a fantastic option for your weekly meal prep. The flavors actually improve the next day.

Reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat. You can also use a microwave for 2 minutes. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. It stays tender and delicious after reheating.

Tips for Best Results

• Cut sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch cubes.
• Don’t skip the lid during the final simmer.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best browned edges.
• Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy dish.
• For a holiday twist, add a dash of cinnamon.
• Swap the beef for ground turkey to go leaner.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end.
• Make sure the broth is low-sodium to control salt.

Easy Flavor Ideas

• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash in the fall.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use smoked sea salt for a deeper flavor profile.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese for the kids.
• Replace beef broth with vegetable broth if preferred.

Quick Answers

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the whole meal on Sunday. Just reheat it for quick weekday lunches.

What if my potatoes are still hard?

Add another splash of broth to the pan. Cover it back up for two more minutes. The steam will finish the job quickly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your beef broth label to be sure. It is a safe and healthy choice.

I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!

— Lidia

Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup low -sodium beef broth

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are browned and centers are slightly tender.
• Push the potatoes to the outer edges of the skillet and add the ground beef to the center, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula.
• Cook the beef until fully browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and potatoes.
• Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
• Pour the beef broth into the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.
• Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
• Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes before serving.