This Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet is a hearty and colorful dish! It’s packed with tender sweet potatoes, juicy ground beef, and your favorite spices for a warm, cozy meal.
Cooking this is like a one-pan hug! I love how easy it is to whip up, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. You can’t go wrong with this tasty twist on dinner! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is rich and hearty. You can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I sometimes use a blend of turkey and beef for flavor and lower fat content.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have any, you could substitute with regular potatoes, but the taste will be different. Butternut squash also works well!
Bell Pepper: I love using red bell pepper for color and sweetness. You can replace it with green or yellow bell pepper or even add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
Spices: Cumin and paprika create a warm flavor base. If you want a kick, add more chili powder or even cayenne pepper. For a milder version, omit the chili powder altogether!
How Do I Get My Sweet Potatoes Just Right?
Cooking sweet potatoes so they’re tender but not mushy is a common challenge! Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Dice the sweet potatoes to 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Cook them covered on medium-low heat in the skillet. This allows steam to soften them without burning.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Typically, this takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Check for tenderness with a fork; it should pierce easily but still hold its shape.
With these tips, your sweet potatoes will be deliciously tender and add nice texture to your skillet dish! Enjoy your cooking!
Sweet Potato And Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll need about 40 minutes for a delicious one-pan meal that’s ready to satisfy your hunger!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. This will create a flavorful base for your dish!
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma, and you’ll know it’s almost time for the star of the show: the ground beef!
3. Cooking the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there’s a lot of fat, don’t forget to drain the excess!
4. Mixing in the Sweet Potatoes:
Toss in the diced sweet potatoes along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the sweet potatoes in the spices, making sure it all blends together nicely.
5. Cooking the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, cover your skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy. This is where the magic happens!
6. Final Touches:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, taste your skillet mix and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If everything tastes just right, it’s time to remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh kick and garnish with slices of avocado. Serve this delightful skillet warm, straight from the pan, for a nutritious and hearty dinner that everyone will love!
This dish beautifully combines the sweet and savory elements, making it a satisfying one-pan dinner that’s as healthy as it is delicious! Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, and you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Sweet Potatoes?
If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can substitute them with regular potatoes or even butternut squash! Just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary since different vegetables have varying cooking durations.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or heat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! You can add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or carrots to bulk up the dish with extra nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, adding them based on their cook times so they don’t get overcooked.
