There’s something magical about simple, hearty meals that bring people together. The kind of meal where everyone can scoop a little onto their plates and settle in for good conversation and even better food. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is one of those comforting, cozy dishes that always feels right—whether it’s a chilly fall evening, a busy weeknight, or a laid-back weekend dinner.
For me, skillet meals are the ultimate symbol of home-cooked love. I still remember my grandmother making similar one-pan meals in her old cast-iron skillet. She’d throw together whatever fresh vegetables she had, add a bit of protein, and season it all just right. The skillet was her magic tool, and as a kid, I loved the anticipation of watching her stir the ingredients as the kitchen filled with incredible aromas.
Fast forward to today, and this recipe gives me that same nostalgic feeling, but with a modern twist—sweet potatoes paired with savory ground beef and a Tex-Mex-inspired seasoning blend. It’s proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderful. Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and nutritious, making it a win for both taste buds and busy schedules.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for an easy crowd-pleaser or a beginner hoping to impress your family, this dish will not disappoint. It’s filling, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity – With everything cooked in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze.
- Quick and Wholesome – Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy nights when you want a meal that’s healthy but doesn’t take hours to prepare.
- Flavor Explosion – Sweet, savory, and cheesy with a hint of spice, this skillet delivers bold and satisfying flavors.
- Family-Friendly – Kids love the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, while the savory beef and cheese make this a winner for adults.
- Great for Leftovers – It reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 poblano pepper, diced (optional for a little kick)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or queso asadero)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or salsa
How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Cooking this skillet is easy, and the process is as comforting as the meal itself. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this dish to life:
1. Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles for even cooking.
2. Add Garlic, Sweet Potatoes, and Spices
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, taco seasoning, and water. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
The sweet potatoes will soak up all those delicious flavors as they cook, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
3. Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The steam will help the sweet potatoes cook through, making them soft and tender without losing their shape.
Check the sweet potatoes by piercing them with a fork—they should be easy to poke through but not mushy. If needed, let them cook for a couple more minutes.
4. Add Corn and Poblanos
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the frozen corn and diced poblano pepper. The corn adds a pop of sweetness, while the poblano pepper gives a mild kick that pairs beautifully with the other flavors. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
If you’re not a fan of spice, you can swap the poblano for a bell pepper.
5. Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is gooey and irresistible.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and top with your favorite garnishes—think a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a drizzle of salsa. Serve the dish hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy the comforting flavors with your loved ones.
Helpful Tips
- Sweet Potato Size Matters: Cutting your sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
- Custom Seasoning: If you don’t have taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a homemade blend.
- Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Add More Veggies: Throw in spinach, black beans, or diced tomatoes to make this dish even heartier.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezer Option: Let the skillet cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 512
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 29g
- Sodium: 456mg
- Fiber: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb can replace the ground beef.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Can I add beans?
Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition for extra protein and fiber.
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Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, hearty meal designed to bring people together. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep to make something satisfying and delicious. So grab your skillet, gather your loved ones, and savor every bite of this comforting classic. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will always hit the spot!
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Description
There’s something magical about simple, hearty meals that bring people together. The kind of meal where everyone can scoop a little onto their plates and settle in for good conversation and even better food. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is one of those comforting, cozy dishes that always feels right—whether it’s a chilly fall evening, a busy weeknight, or a laid-back weekend dinner.
For me, skillet meals are the ultimate symbol of home-cooked love. I still remember my grandmother making similar one-pan meals in her old cast-iron skillet. She’d throw together whatever fresh vegetables she had, add a bit of protein, and season it all just right. The skillet was her magic tool, and as a kid, I loved the anticipation of watching her stir the ingredients as the kitchen filled with incredible aromas.
Fast forward to today, and this recipe gives me that same nostalgic feeling, but with a modern twist—sweet potatoes paired with savory ground beef and a Tex-Mex-inspired seasoning blend. It’s proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderful. Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and nutritious, making it a win for both taste buds and busy schedules.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for an easy crowd-pleaser or a beginner hoping to impress your family, this dish will not disappoint. It’s filling, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 poblano pepper, diced (optional for a little kick)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or queso asadero)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or salsa
Instructions
Cooking this skillet is easy, and the process is as comforting as the meal itself. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this dish to life:
1. Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles for even cooking.
2. Add Garlic, Sweet Potatoes, and Spices
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, taco seasoning, and water. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
The sweet potatoes will soak up all those delicious flavors as they cook, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
3. Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The steam will help the sweet potatoes cook through, making them soft and tender without losing their shape.
Check the sweet potatoes by piercing them with a fork—they should be easy to poke through but not mushy. If needed, let them cook for a couple more minutes.
4. Add Corn and Poblanos
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the frozen corn and diced poblano pepper. The corn adds a pop of sweetness, while the poblano pepper gives a mild kick that pairs beautifully with the other flavors. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
If you’re not a fan of spice, you can swap the poblano for a bell pepper.
5. Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is gooey and irresistible.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and top with your favorite garnishes—think a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a drizzle of salsa. Serve the dish hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy the comforting flavors with your loved ones.
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezer Option: Let the skillet cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
