Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and sweet potatoes into a vibrant, flavorful skillet meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is all about effortless cooking and maximum taste, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet satisfying dish.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the richness of the ground beef beautifully. It’s incredibly easy to prepare—everything cooks in one pan, minimizing cleanup!—and uses readily available ingredients. The result is a hearty, healthy meal that feels impressive without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients
🥩 1 lb ground beef
🍠 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
🌿 1 tsp dried thyme
🧂 1/2 tsp salt
🧂 1/4 tsp black pepper
🍅 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the veggies: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and chop the onion. Mince the garlic. Set everything aside.
2️⃣ Brown the beef: Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Combine ingredients: Add the diced sweet potatoes, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5️⃣ Simmer & thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too watery, increase the heat slightly to allow it to reduce.
6️⃣ Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives (optional).
Handy Tips
- Sweet potato variations: Feel free to use different types of sweet potatoes—the color will affect the final dish’s visual appeal, but the taste will remain delicious.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Ground beef substitute: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer after the initial browning is crucial for tender sweet potatoes. High heat will cause the potatoes to brown too quickly on the outside before cooking through on the inside. The sweet potatoes are done when easily pierced with a fork.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on tender sweet potatoes and a slightly saucy consistency, you can achieve a bit more texture by adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep ahead: Dice the sweet potatoes and chop the onion earlier in the day to save time.
- One-pan cleanup: Using an oven-safe skillet simplifies cleanup. Simply wipe it out after the meal!
- Flavor boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but you could portion it into individual containers for a potluck or a thoughtful neighborly gesture. A simple label with the recipe name adds a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Southwestern: Add a diced jalapeño pepper, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a sprinkle of cumin.
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried mint during the last few minutes of cooking.
🌟 Creamy Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic, then stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end.
🌟 Curry Sweet Potato: Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder along with the other spices for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Sweet potatoes too hard: Increase cooking time. If they are browning too much before softening, reduce heat and add a tablespoon or two of water or broth.
- Sauce too watery: Increase heat slightly and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Ground beef too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth during cooking.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen sweet potatoes? Yes, but you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- How can I scale this recipe? Double or triple the ingredients proportionally to serve a larger crowd.
- Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free? Yes, the base recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Be mindful of any additions you make.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a weeknight winner! We hope you enjoy this simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful recipe. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and additions to make it your own. Share your creations with us and happy cooking!
One-Pan Beef & Sweet Potato Bliss: Dinner Done Right
A hearty and nutritious one-pan dinner featuring tender beef and sweet potatoes, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200u00b0C.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and sautu00e9 until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Add diced sweet potatoes and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the beef in spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for more variety.