If you are craving a meal that is hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor, the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This skillet combines tender, seasoned ground beef with sweet, tender sweet potatoes and a vibrant mix of spiced vegetables that create an irresistible harmony of taste and texture. Every forkful delivers warmth, a hint of smokiness, and a perfect balance that’s simple to make and satisfying to eat any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a key role in bringing the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe to life. From the sweetness of the potatoes to the earthy spices and fresh spinach, every component adds its own magic.
- 1 lb ground beef: The protein base that adds richness and a meaty texture.
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Provide natural sweetness and a lovely soft bite.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Builds the flavor foundation with its gentle sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a savory kick.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings color and a subtle crunch.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Offers freshness and a tender green contrast.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth that ties the dish together.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a slightly nutty, earthy flavor boost.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Introduces gentle heat for balance.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing and bringing everything together.
- Optional: avocado slices and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds creaminess and herbaceous brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté them gently until translucent and fragrant, about three minutes. This step creates a delicious base that layers flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This process not only enhances the beef’s flavor but also ensures a nice texture that complements the soft sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Remove Excess Fat and Set Beef Aside
After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Once drained, transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and set it aside temporarily—that way, your skillet stays ready for cooking the vegetables that follow.
Step 4: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the diced sweet potatoes. Cook over medium heat for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start softening and developing a golden color. This step is where the natural sweetness of the potatoes intensifies.
Step 5: Add the Red Bell Pepper
Next, add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking for about three to four more minutes, just until the pepper softens slightly but still retains a bit of crunchiness and freshness.
Step 6: Reintroduce the Ground Beef and Season
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly so that the spices coat every bite, creating the signature flavor profile of this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe.
Step 7: Finish with Spinach
Lower the heat to gentle warmth, then fold in the fresh spinach leaves. Cook just long enough for the spinach to wilt and meld into the skillet, which only takes a minute or two. This finishing touch adds a pop of color and lightness to the dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, then top with optional avocado slices and freshly chopped cilantro if you like. These garnishes bring a creamy texture and bright herbal notes that elevate the whole meal. Serve the skillet hot and enjoy every comforting bite.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Adding avocado slices and fresh cilantro as garnishes enhances the dish visually and adds wonderful creaminess and a fresh, zesty finish. You could also sprinkle a little crumbled feta or a squeeze of lime juice for an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or warm, crusty bread to soak up any juices. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt can also serve as a cooling balance to the spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the skillet over fluffy rice or quinoa to transform it into a hearty bowl meal. Alternatively, load it into warm tortillas for a twist on tacos that’s both nutritious and fun to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, maintaining its delicious flavors for quick, easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish also freezes nicely! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You can also use a microwave, heating in short bursts to avoid drying out the sweet potatoes and beef.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe, though it may require a slightly longer cooking time to brown nicely and develop flavor.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika or a dash of chipotle powder for a different smoky heat. The flavor profile might shift, but your skillet will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with diced tempeh or crumbled tofu, and add extra spices and maybe some mushrooms for a meaty texture and full flavor.
How spicy is the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe?
It has a mild to moderate level of spice thanks to the chili powder. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and check that no added ingredients contain gluten. It’s a great choice for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and well-rounded dish that brings together the best of simple ingredients and thoughtful seasoning. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends or treating yourself to something special, this skillet is sure to become a fast favorite. Go ahead and try it — you’re going to love how easy and satisfying it is to make this taste-packed meal!
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spiced Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a nutritious and easy dinner, it’s enhanced with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, and can be garnished with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro for an extra touch.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
Spices and Oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- Avocado slices
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, releasing their flavors.
- Cook Ground Beef: Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
- Drain Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Set Beef Aside: Remove the browned ground beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside temporarily.
- Add More Oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to cook the vegetables.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add Bell Pepper: Stir in chopped red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the pepper softens.
- Return Beef to Skillet: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables for combining flavors.
- Season: Season with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients with spices.
- Add Spinach: Reduce heat to low and fold in fresh spinach leaves. Cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes, to retain their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with optional avocado slices and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Sweet potatoes can be roasted separately if preferred for an extra caramelized flavor.
- Adjust spices to your taste, adding cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a complete meal, serve with a side of rice or tortillas.
