Ground Meat and Sweet Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Rita’s Personal Intro

When my kids were little, weeknights were pure chaos. I needed meals that were fast, nourishing, and didn’t leave a pile of dishes. That’s when I came up with this ground meat and sweet potatoes skillet hearty, colorful, and done in under 30 minutes. It reminds me of my grandma’s cast-iron dinners, but with a fresher twist. Sweet potatoes weren’t something I grew up cooking with, but now they’re a staple in my kitchen. Their natural sweetness paired with spiced ground meat? It just works and it always disappears fast.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Ground Meat and Sweet Potatoes Skillet

This ground meat and sweet potatoes recipe is flexible feel free to tweak the spices or swap the protein. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternative)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Spices:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Greek yogurt or sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a weeknight meal that brings out the best in ground meat and sweet potatoes.

1. Prep the vegetables
Peel and dice sweet potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook faster. Chop onion, pepper, and garlic.

2. Sauté the sweet potatoes
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until slightly golden and just fork-tender. Remove and set aside.

3. Brown the meat
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned about 6–8 minutes.

4. Add veggies and spices
Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and soft, about 4–5 minutes. Then stir in paprika, cumin, chili flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.

5. Combine with sweet potatoes
Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir well and cook 3–4 more minutes, letting the flavors come together.

6. Taste and finish
Adjust salt and spice as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Add avocado slices or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Nutrition & Storage Tips

This ground meat and sweet potatoes skillet is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs a complete, balanced meal in one pan.

Sweet Potatoes

They’re rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness balances savory spices and lean ground meat beautifully.

Ground Meat

Beef adds richness and iron, while turkey or chicken offers a lighter option. Want it vegetarian? Use lentils or crumbled tofu.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats easily in a pan or microwave. You can freeze it for 2 months just thaw overnight before reheating.

Cooking Tips & Common Mistakes

Cooking ground meat and sweet potatoes sounds simple and it is but a few small tips can take your skillet from good to irresistible.

Use Small, Even Cuts

Dice sweet potatoes into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend into the skillet without overpowering the dish. Too big, and they’ll still be firm while your beef overcooks.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

A crowded skillet traps moisture. Cook in batches if necessary, especially when browning the ground meat. You want that golden crust not steamed meat.

Season in Layers

Start with salt during the potato sauté, then adjust again after the meat is browned. The final seasoning should happen right before serving.

Let the Flavors Settle

Once it’s all combined, give it 2–3 extra minutes on low heat. This helps the spices coat every bite and gives the sweet potatoes time to absorb the meat’s savory richness.

Add Freshness at the End

A handful of chopped cilantro or parsley, a drizzle of lime juice, or creamy avocado will brighten the whole skillet. It’s the finishing touch that makes it feel restaurant-worthy.

7 Ground Meat and Sweet Potatoes Recipe Variations

If you love the base recipe, you’ll enjoy these tasty variations. Each version uses the same core ingredients ground meat and sweet potatoes but brings a fresh twist.

1. Tex-Mex Style

Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with shredded cheddar and a squeeze of lime. Serve in lettuce cups or warm tortillas.

2. Mediterranean Bowl

Swap the bell pepper for cherry tomatoes and olives. Use ground lamb, and add crumbled feta and chopped parsley. Serve with tzatziki on the side.

3. Breakfast Hash

Use breakfast sausage instead of beef. Add chopped kale and top with a fried or poached egg. Perfect for brunch or “brinner.”

4. Curry-Spiced Version

Use ground chicken and stir in curry powder, turmeric, and a splash of coconut milk. Add peas or baby spinach for color and flavor.

5. Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry

Use ground pork with garlic, ginger, and low-sodium soy sauce. Toss in shredded carrots and scallions. Serve over jasmine rice or noodles.

6. Vegan Power Bowl

Replace the meat with lentils or tofu crumbles. Use smoked paprika and cumin for depth. Serve with avocado and a tahini drizzle.

7. Sheet Pan Style

Skip the skillet. Roast diced sweet potatoes, ground meat, and veggies together on a sheet pan for a hands-off dinner with easy cleanup.

Health Benefits of Ground Meat and Sweet Potatoes

I love when comfort food also happens to be good for you. That’s exactly the case with this ground meat and sweet potatoes combo it’s as nutritious as it is satisfying.

A Balanced Macronutrient Meal

You get protein from the ground meat, complex carbs from sweet potatoes, and healthy fats if you finish with avocado or olive oil. This balance keeps you full, supports muscle repair, and stabilizes energy levels.

Sweet Potatoes: Nature’s Multivitamin

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They support eye health, immunity, and digestion. Their natural sweetness also curbs sugar cravings so you stay satisfied longer.

Ground Meat: Lean, Accessible Protein

Whether you use beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles, ground meat brings iron, B vitamins, and high-quality protein. If you choose 90% lean meat or higher, you get all the benefits with less fat.

Gut-Friendly and Gluten-Free

Because this ground meat and sweet potatoes recipe skips grains and refined starches, it’s naturally gluten-free and gut-friendly. Add greens or fermented toppings like yogurt for extra digestive support.

Great for Meal Prep & Blood Sugar Control

Unlike simple carbs, sweet potatoes digest slowly. That means fewer energy crashes and better blood sugar balance a big win for anyone managing insulin levels. When combined with protein-rich ground meat, it makes for a perfect prep-ahead lunch that actually keeps you full.

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Sweet Potato FAQ (Everything You Need to Know Before Cooking)

I’ve been asked a lot of questions since sharing this ground meat and sweet potatoes skillet, especially about sweet potatoes themselves. Let’s clear up the most common ones.

Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions

This ground meat and sweet potatoes skillet is the kind of meal I rely on when life gets busy and appetites are big. It’s satisfying, colorful, and comes together fast with pantry basics you probably already have.

Serve it straight from the skillet, or pile it into bowls with a handful of greens on the side. Add a fried egg on top for breakfast, or wrap it in a tortilla for a next-day burrito.

Once you make it, you’ll see why this dish stays on repeat in my kitchen it’s simple, hearty, and always hits the spot.

This ground meat and sweet potatoes skillet is a quick, wholesome one-pan meal. Made with ground beef (or turkey), diced sweet potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and simple spices, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe delivers balanced nutrition with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs. Serve it as-is, top with avocado or yogurt, or wrap it in a tortilla for a next-day lunch. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and pair beautifully with savory, spiced ground meat. Keeps well in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

7 Ground Meat and Sweet Potatoes Recipe Variations

If you love the base recipe, you’ll enjoy these tasty variations. Each version uses the same core ingredients ground meat and sweet potatoes but brings a fresh twist.

1. Tex-Mex Style

Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with shredded cheddar and a squeeze of lime. Serve in lettuce cups or warm tortillas.

2. Mediterranean Bowl

Swap the bell pepper for cherry tomatoes and olives. Use ground lamb, and add crumbled feta and chopped parsley. Serve with tzatziki on the side.

3. Breakfast Hash

Use breakfast sausage instead of beef. Add chopped kale and top with a fried or poached egg. Perfect for brunch or “brinner.”

4. Curry-Spiced Version

Use ground chicken and stir in curry powder, turmeric, and a splash of coconut milk. Add peas or baby spinach for color and flavor.

5. Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry

Use ground pork with garlic, ginger, and low-sodium soy sauce. Toss in shredded carrots and scallions. Serve over jasmine rice or noodles.

6. Vegan Power Bowl

Replace the meat with lentils or tofu crumbles. Use smoked paprika and cumin for depth. Serve with avocado and a tahini drizzle.

7. Sheet Pan Style

Skip the skillet. Roast diced sweet potatoes, ground meat, and veggies together on a sheet pan for a hands-off dinner with easy cleanup.

Health Benefits of Ground Meat and Sweet Potatoes

I love when comfort food also happens to be good for you. That’s exactly the case with this ground meat and sweet potatoes combo it’s as nutritious as it is satisfying.

A Balanced Macronutrient Meal

You get protein from the ground meat, complex carbs from sweet potatoes, and healthy fats if you finish with avocado or olive oil. This balance keeps you full, supports muscle repair, and stabilizes energy levels.

Sweet Potatoes: Nature’s Multivitamin

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They support eye health, immunity, and digestion. Their natural sweetness also curbs sugar cravings so you stay satisfied longer.

Ground Meat: Lean, Accessible Protein

Whether you use beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles, ground meat brings iron, B vitamins, and high-quality protein. If you choose 90% lean meat or higher, you get all the benefits with less fat.

Gut-Friendly and Gluten-Free

Because this ground meat and sweet potatoes recipe skips grains and refined starches, it’s naturally gluten-free and gut-friendly. Add greens or fermented toppings like yogurt for extra digestive support.

Great for Meal Prep & Blood Sugar Control

Unlike simple carbs, sweet potatoes digest slowly. That means fewer energy crashes and better blood sugar balance a big win for anyone managing insulin levels. When combined with protein-rich ground meat, it makes for a perfect prep-ahead lunch that actually keeps you full.

What to Cook Next

If you loved these sweet potato cocoa brownies, there’s even more to discover. From cozy bakes to nutritious twists on classic desserts, find your next favorite treat right here at KozinaRecipes.com.

Trusted Nutrition Insights

For more on the benefits of sweet potatoes and lean ground meat, the Harvard School of Public Health offers in-depth guidance on building balanced, whole-food meals.
Read more at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health a great reference if you’re aiming to eat smarter without sacrificing comfort.