Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

$- Ground beef - Sweet potatoes - Onion and garlic Ground beef is the star of our dish. It adds protein and rich flavor. I use one pound to keep it hearty. Sweet potatoes bring a sweet touch and a lovely color. I prefer two medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. They cook down well and add nutrients. Onion and garlic are the base for this meal. One small onion, diced, gives sweetness and depth. Two cloves of minced garlic add a punch of flavor. Together, they create a savory aroma that fills your kitchen. - Smoked paprika - Ground cumin - Chili powder Spices are key to making this dish pop. I add one teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. It adds warmth without being too spicy. Ground cumin is another must. One teaspoon brings an earthy flavor. Chili powder is my go-to for a bit of heat. I also use one teaspoon in this recipe. Adjust it based on your taste. Together, these spices create a warm and inviting flavor profile. - Fresh cilantro - Avocado slices Garnishes make any dish shine. I love adding fresh cilantro on top. It adds freshness and a splash of green. Use as much as you like for color and flavor. Avocado slices are a perfect match with this meal. They add creaminess and a cool contrast to the heat. Serve them on the side or on top for a delicious finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating olive oil Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil will help cook the onions and garlic, giving them flavor. 2. Sautéing onions and garlic Add one small diced onion to the skillet. Cook it for about three to four minutes until it softens. Then, stir in two minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until it smells great. 1. Browning the ground beef Next, add one pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown it for about five to seven minutes until it's fully cooked. 2. Draining the excess fat If there is extra fat in the skillet, drain it off. This step keeps the dish from being greasy. 1. Adding sweet potatoes and red bell pepper Now, add two cubed sweet potatoes and one diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of ground cumin, and one teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 2. Cooking covered until fork-tender Mix everything well. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam them. - Adjusting seasoning for taste: Taste your dish as you cook. Add salt, pepper, or spices to fit your liking. A little extra chili powder can add nice heat. Always start with less, then add more if needed. - Optimal cooking times for sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes should cook until fork-tender. This usually takes 15-20 minutes when covered. If they need more time, give them a few extra minutes. Stirring helps them cook evenly. - Best ways to serve and present the dish: Serve the skillet in individual bowls. Top each bowl with avocado slices and fresh cilantro. This adds color and freshness. It also makes the dish look appealing. - Suggested sides to complement the skillet: Pair this dish with a simple green salad. You could also serve it with some crusty bread. These sides balance the meal nicely and add more texture. - Recommended skillet types: Use a large, heavy skillet. Cast iron or non-stick pans work best. They heat evenly and help brown the meat nicely. - Essential kitchen tools for preparation: You need a good spatula for stirring and breaking up the beef. A sharp knife makes chopping veggies easy. Don't forget a cutting board for safe prep. Pro Tips Perfect Sweet Potatoes: To ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly, try cutting them into uniform cubes. This will help them become fork-tender at the same time. Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the overall taste of the dish. One-Pan Wonder: To make cleanup easier, use the same skillet to cook the beef and vegetables. This way, you capture all the flavors in one pan. Garnish Wisely: When serving, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the dish along with the cilantro. It brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing touch. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out the ground beef. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. If you want a vegetarian option, use lentils or black beans instead. Each option brings its own flavor and texture. For sweet potatoes, butternut squash works great as a substitute. You can also use regular potatoes, though they may need more cooking time. Each choice gives you a unique twist on the dish. Adding new spices can change the entire dish. Try cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a fresh taste. A dash of soy sauce can also add depth. You can mix in other veggies too. Zucchini, spinach, or even corn can add color and nutrients. Just chop them up and stir them in during cooking. To prepare in advance, chop your veggies and meats ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for quick cooking later. This saves time on busy nights. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in airtight containers. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop. To keep your Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet fresh, follow these steps: - First, let the skillet cool down. - Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge. This dish can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s sealed well to avoid any odors from other foods. Freezing this skillet meal is easy. Here’s how to do it: - Cool the dish completely. - Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. - Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can use the stove or microwave. Just heat until it's hot all the way through. Enjoy your meal! Can I use frozen sweet potatoes? Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes. Just add them directly to the skillet. They may take a bit longer to cook. Stir them often to ensure even cooking. How do I ensure sweet potatoes are fully cooked? To check if your sweet potatoes are cooked, use a fork. If the fork goes in easily, they are ready. Stir them occasionally while cooking to help them cook evenly. How can I make this recipe spicier? Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the skillet. You can also increase the chili powder to boost the heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Can I add cheese to the dish? Absolutely! Sprinkle shredded cheese on top right before serving. Cheddar or pepper jack works great for added flavor and creaminess. Caloric content and macros of the dish This dish has about 400 calories per serving. It has around 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of fat. Suggestions for balanced meal components Serve this skillet with a side salad or steamed veggies for balance. Adding avocado slices boosts healthy fats and nutrients too. This article explored tasty skillet recipes featuring ground beef and sweet potatoes. You learned about key ingredients, spices, and garnishes that make the dish shine. We covered step-by-step cooking instructions and useful tips for perfecting your meal. I also shared variations for different diets and ways to store leftovers. Remember, you can tweak the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and remember to have fun with it!$

Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring ground beef and sweet potatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
to taste avocado slices (for serving)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam them.
Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve the skillet dish in individual bowls topped with avocado slices, and sprinkle extra fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

Keyword ground beef, skillet, sweet potatoes