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
Scale
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.
