Recipe With Ground Beef And Sweet Potatoes Made Easy

Updated On: October 15, 2025

Combining the rich, savory flavor of ground beef with the natural sweetness and creaminess of sweet potatoes makes for a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect any night of the week. This recipe is a delightful balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, ideal for families looking to enjoy a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ground beef and sweet potatoes complement each other beautifully, offering a satisfying taste and texture with every bite. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is versatile and straightforward, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a deeply flavorful and filling meal.

Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving fresh on a cozy evening with loved ones. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground beef and sweet potatoes create a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures. The beef adds richness and depth, while the sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that balances the dish perfectly.

This meal is not only delicious but also nutrient-packed. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, while ground beef offers high-quality protein and essential iron.

Together, they make a well-rounded, wholesome dish.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily add spices, vegetables, or even swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives.

It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb/450g), peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (for extra protein and fiber)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Peeler (for sweet potatoes)
  • Medium bowl (optional, for rinsing black beans)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
  2. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Season the mixture: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and let the spices toast for a minute.
  6. Add the sweet potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and pour in the beef broth or water.
  7. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
  8. Add optional black beans: If using, stir in the rinsed black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.
  9. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
  10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce when browning the beef.”

If you want to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious, consider adding diced zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They will wilt nicely and add a fresh flavor.

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free beef broth or water as instructed. For dairy-free and low-fat options, lean ground beef or ground turkey works beautifully.

For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top before serving, or add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 350-400 kcal
Protein 28g
Carbohydrates 30g
Dietary Fiber 5g
Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 5g
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 40% DV
Iron 20% DV

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Try serving it alongside a crisp baby spinach salad for a refreshing contrast—check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for inspiration.

For a heartier meal, you can serve this dish with warm crusty bread or over fluffy rice. If you’re looking for a lighter option, this skillet also works well topped with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime.

Conclusion

This ground beef and sweet potato recipe is a true winner for anyone seeking a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend cooking.

The combination of sweet potatoes with seasoned ground beef offers a perfect blend of taste and texture that will satisfy the whole family.

Beyond its deliciousness, this dish is packed with essential nutrients, making it not just tasty but wholesome too. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it with your favorite spices or add-ins.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to explore other easy and healthy meals like the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals or the Better Homes and Gardens Vegan Recipes for Every Meal.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Description: A hearty and nutritious one-pan meal combining savory ground beef with tender sweet potatoes. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
  4. Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
  7. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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