A hearty, one pan dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Some dinners just check all the boxes simple to make, full of flavor, and packed with nourishing ingredients. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again.
In just 30 minutes, you can have tender, perfectly seasoned sweet potatoes, juicy ground beef, and a medley of vegetables all cooked together in one skillet. That means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more time to actually enjoy your meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a satisfying dish after a long day, this recipe delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan, Less Mess – No sink full of dishes after dinner.
- Nutritious & Filling – A balanced meal with protein, veggies, and healthy carbs.
- Customizable – Change up the veggies or seasoning to fit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, sprinkle lightly with salt, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Remove and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat.
4. Bring It All Together
Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have combined.
5. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Cut sweet potatoes into even cubes so they cook evenly.
- Add extra spice if you like heat a pinch of cayenne works great.
- Make it lighter by swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Tex-Mex Style – Add corn, black beans, and top with shredded cheese.
- Breakfast Skillet – Serve with fried or poached eggs.
- Low Carb Version – Swap sweet potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Perfect for portioning into lunch containers for the week.
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Total Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 780 mg |
| Calcium | 45 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This skillet reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. White, yellow, or red potatoes all work well. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the savory beef.
What’s the best way to make this spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, extra chili powder, or diced jalapeños while cooking the vegetables.
Can I make this recipe dairy free and gluten free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten free and dairy free as written. Just check that your spices are labeled gluten free if needed.
What can I serve with this skillet?
It’s filling on its own, but it pairs well with a green salad, roasted veggies, or warm crusty bread.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-  Cook the Sweet PotatoesIn a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, sprinkle lightly with salt, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the BeefAdd the remaining oil to the skillet. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables and SeasoningStir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat.
-  Bring It All TogetherReturn the sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have combined.
- ServeGarnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with shredded cheese before serving.
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
