Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe : Easy & Delicious One-Pan Meal

If you’re looking for a healthy, hearty, and flavorful meal, this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe is a must-try! Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a comforting homemade dish, this skillet recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

In this article, we’ll cover step-by-step instructions, ingredient selection tips, substitutions, serving ideas, and storage tips to help you make the best version of this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Nutritious & Balanced – High in protein, fiber, and healthy carbs.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple and affordable ingredients.
✔ Customizable – Easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well for later meals.

Now, let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean for a balance of flavor and less grease)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works)
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional for added greens)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional for extra flavor)

Seasonings & Spices

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds depth and smokiness)
• ½ tsp cumin (for a warm, earthy flavor)
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for a little spice)
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Cooking Essentials

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• ½ cup water or broth (for cooking sweet potatoes)

Optional Toppings & Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Choosing the Best Ground Beef

For the best results, use 85/15 ground beef—this means it has 85% lean meat and 15% fat. The fat content adds flavor without making the dish too greasy. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 90/10 ground beef or even substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe.

Picking the Right Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes come in different varieties, but for this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (like Jewel or Garnet) work best. They have a natural sweetness that complements the savory beef and seasonings. Look for firm, smooth, and unblemished sweet potatoes to ensure freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make this delicious Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe. This is a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy while ensuring all the flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, prep all your ingredients:
✅ Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes (about ½ inch) for even cooking.
✅ Chop the onion, bell pepper, and greens (if using spinach or kale).
✅ Mince the garlic for a fresh, aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
3️⃣ Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.
4️⃣ Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to coat the meat in spices.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1️⃣ Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
2️⃣ Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

1️⃣ Push the beef mixture to the side of the skillet and add the diced sweet potatoes.
2️⃣ Pour in ½ cup water or broth to help soften the potatoes while cooking.
3️⃣ Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The steam will help soften the sweet potatoes.

💡 Tip: If the skillet gets dry, add a splash of water or broth to prevent burning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1️⃣ Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stir everything together so the flavors can meld.
2️⃣ If using, add chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
3️⃣ Adjust seasoning if needed and remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the skillet hot with your favorite toppings and garnishes:
✔ Fresh cilantro or parsley for freshness
✔ Sliced avocado for creaminess
✔ Shredded cheese for extra flavor
✔ Sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy finish

This dish is perfect on its own or served with rice, quinoa, or tortillas!

Variations and Substitutions

This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe is highly versatile, making it easy to customize based on dietary preferences, available ingredients, or personal taste. Below are some delicious variations and substitutions you can try!

1. Make It Spicy

If you love a spicy kick, here’s how you can add some heat:
✔ Add ½ – 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes while cooking the ground beef.
✔ Use spicy chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra punch.
✔ Dice a jalapeño or serrano pepper and sauté it with the onion and bell pepper.
✔ Drizzle with hot sauce (such as sriracha, Tabasco, or chipotle sauce) before serving.

2. Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options

This dish is already gluten-free, but if you need to make it dairy-free, simply:
✔ Omit cheese and sour cream toppings.
✔ Use avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative as a creamy topping.

3. Low-Carb & Keto Version

For a keto-friendly or low-carb option:
✔ Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers.
✔ Use full-fat ground beef (80/20) to increase healthy fats.
✔ Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

4. Vegetarian or Vegan Option

To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, swap out the ground beef for:
✔ Lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
✔ Crumbled tofu or tempeh, cooked with the same seasonings.
✔ Mushrooms and black beans, for a hearty and flavorful meat substitute.

5. Mediterranean Twist 🇬🇷

Give this recipe a Mediterranean spin by:
✔ Adding cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
✔ Using ground lamb instead of beef.
✔ Seasoning with oregano, basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

For an extra tangy kick, consider adding Rotel tomatoes, a flavorful ingredient often used in Rotel and Ground Beef Recipes, which pairs well with the sweet and savory combination of ground beef and sweet potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your delicious Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe ready, here are some amazing serving ideas to make it even better!

Best Side Dishes to Pair With This Recipe

✔ Steamed rice or quinoa – for a balanced and filling meal.
✔ Corn tortillas – make a great taco or wrap filling.
✔ Fried plantains – for a sweet and savory combo.
✔ Garlic bread or pita – to soak up the flavorful juices.

Toppings to Elevate the Dish

✔ Feta cheese or shredded cheddar for extra creaminess.
✔ Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or basil) for brightness.
✔ Lime or lemon juice for a zesty touch.
✔ Crunchy nuts or seeds (like pumpkin seeds) for texture.

If you love the rich, creamy texture of mashed potatoes, you might also enjoy trying this dish with Mashed Potato with Ground Beef Recipe to compare the contrast in flavors and textures.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe is how well it works for meal prep and leftovers. Whether you’re making a big batch for the week or saving extras for later, here’s how to store, reheat, and freeze this dish for maximum freshness.

1. How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, follow these tips to keep your dish fresh:

✔ Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Separate Portions: If meal-prepping, divide the dish into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
✔ No Mushy Sweet Potatoes: Let the dish cool before sealing to prevent condensation that makes sweet potatoes soggy.

2. How to Reheat

You can reheat this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe in several ways while keeping the flavors fresh:

• Stovetop (Best Option): Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for 10 minutes.

3. Can You Freeze This Dish?

Yes! This dish freezes well, making it perfect for long-term meal prep.

✔ How to Freeze: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Lay flat in the freezer for up to 3 months.
✔ How to Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to freeze, slightly undercook the sweet potatoes so they don’t become too soft when reheated.

If you’re into meal prep, this dish can be prepped ahead, frozen, and stored for later, similar to these Easy Ground Beef Freezer Recipes for Meal Prep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and makes this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe leaner and lower in fat. You may need to add a little more seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor.

2. What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?

You can substitute sweet potatoes with:
✔ Regular potatoes
✔ Butternut squash
✔ Carrots

3. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe in a slow cooker, brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

4. How can I make this meal kid-friendly?

For a milder taste:
✔ Reduce or omit chili powder.
✔ Add a little honey for extra sweetness.
✔ Serve with cheese or avocado for creaminess.

5. What’s the best way to add more protein?

You can increase protein by:
✔ Adding extra ground beef or swapping for lean steak pieces.
✔ Mixing in cooked lentils or black beans.
✔ Topping with Greek yogurt or an egg for extra protein.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can toss in:
✔ Zucchini
✔ Mushrooms
✔ Corn
✔ Green beans

7. What Meat Goes Well with Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of meats due to their natural sweetness and soft texture. Some great options include those used in this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe, as well as:

✔ Ground Beef – Creates a hearty and savory balance.
✔ Chicken (Grilled or Shredded) – Adds a lean and mild protein option.
✔ Pork (Chops or Bacon) – Complements the sweetness with a rich, smoky flavor.
✔ Turkey (Ground or Roasted) – A lean and slightly sweet meat that pairs well.
✔ Lamb – Offers a deep, gamey taste that enhances the earthiness of sweet potatoes.
✔ Sausage (Chorizo or Italian Sausage) – Adds spice and extra flavor contrast.

8. Are Ground Beef and Potatoes Healthy?

Yes! This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe can be a healthy meal when prepared with the right ingredients and portion sizes.

✔ Ground Beef: A great source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Choosing leaner cuts (85/15 or 90/10) reduces excess fat while maintaining flavor.
✔ Potatoes (Including Sweet Potatoes): Rich in fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin C and B6), potassium, and antioxidants.
✔ Balanced Meal: Pairing ground beef with potatoes, vegetables, and healthy fats creates a well-rounded dish.

💡 Health Tip: Opt for lean meats, limit added fats, and include plenty of vegetables for a nutrient-rich meal.

9. Why Do You Soak Sweet Potatoes Before Baking?

Soaking sweet potatoes before baking helps with:

✔ Crispiness: Removes excess starch, leading to crispier edges when baked or roasted.
✔ Better Texture: Helps prevent sweet potatoes from becoming too soggy.
✔ Even Cooking: Allows for more uniform cooking and caramelization.

💡 How to Soak: Submerge sliced or diced sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. Drain and pat dry before baking for the best results.

10. What Flavors Go Well with Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of flavors, including:

✔ Spices & Herbs: Cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, cumin, rosemary, thyme.
✔ Savory Ingredients: Garlic, onion, cheese, butter, bacon.
✔ Sweet Additions: Maple syrup, honey, brown sugar.
✔ Tangy & Acidic Flavors: Lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, yogurt.
✔ Spicy Elements: Chili powder, cayenne, jalapeños.
✔ Nutty & Crunchy Toppings: Pecans, walnuts, sesame seeds.

💡 Best Combinations: Sweet potatoes with smoky paprika and ground beef, or roasted with honey, cinnamon, and pecans for a sweeter dish.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Recipe is a nutritious, flavorful, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a quick lunch. With its sweet and savory balance, customizable ingredients, and simple cooking process, this dish is bound to become a staple in your home.

So, why not give it a try? Cook it tonight, experiment with the variations, and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal!