I have a soft spot for skillet dinners. They’re the kind of meals that don’t ask for much—a little chopping, a little stirring—and in return, they deliver comfort in every bite. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet has been my weeknight hero more than once. The sweet potatoes get tender and caramelized, the beef turns savory and rich, and the whole thing somehow feels like you’ve cooked for hours when it’s only been half an hour. If you’re like me and keep ground beef in the freezer just in case, this is one of those recipes you’ll want in your back pocket. It’s not just hearty—it’s versatile. You can toss in bell peppers for extra color, or swap the seasoning depending on your mood. And it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel a little smug about eating well without fuss. Whether you’re after something to feed a hungry family or you just want a cozy one-pan dinner, this is it. It’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it’s the type of meal that makes you think, ‘Yeah, I’ll be making this again.’

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
4) How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
6) Making Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This quick ground beef recipe blends savory beef with sweet potatoes for a hearty one-pan meal.
Perfect for weeknights with just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Flexible enough to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
A satisfying option that’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to store for later.

2) Easy Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

I love recipes that look like you’ve been cooking all afternoon but actually come together in half an hour. This quick ground beef recipe is exactly that. The sweet potatoes soften just enough to soak in the savory juices from the beef, while the spices warm everything up without overpowering the natural sweetness.

For me, this skillet dinner is the kind of dish that makes you exhale after a long day. It’s comforting, it fills you up, and it doesn’t leave your kitchen in shambles. And since we’re only using one pan, cleanup is barely a blip on your evening to-do list.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe has the flexibility to match your needs. You can switch the seasoning to match your mood or toss in extra vegetables for more color and crunch.

3) Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef: Use fresh or thawed ground beef for the best texture and flavor. It’s the heart of this recipe and brings rich, savory notes that balance the sweetness of the potatoes.

Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice them into small cubes so they cook evenly. They add natural sweetness and a soft, tender bite.

Onion: Dice the onion finely so it melts into the skillet, adding depth and aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best. It adds a sharp, fragrant layer that ties the flavors together.

Red Bell Pepper: Diced for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness that works beautifully with the beef and potatoes.

Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness that lifts the whole dish.

Ground Cumin: Warm and earthy, it pairs well with the sweet potatoes and beef.

Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the sweetness.

Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste for a balanced flavor.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and helping the sweet potatoes caramelize.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a bright, fresh finish.

4) How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and stir now and then until they start to soften and caramelize.

Step 2: Push the sweet potatoes to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned.

Step 3: Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.

Step 5: Let it all cook for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh finish.

5) Tips for Making Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Cut the sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same speed. This keeps some from turning mushy while others are still firm.

Don’t rush the browning step for the beef. Letting it get a bit of color adds a depth of flavor you can’t get any other way.

Play with the seasonings. This quick ground beef recipe works well with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean feel.

6) Making Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Ahead of Time

This recipe stores beautifully, which makes it great for meal prep. Cook it as directed, let it cool, and portion it into airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to three days.

When reheating, use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or broth to bring back the moisture.

For freezing, let the cooked skillet cool fully before sealing it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave until warmed through.

If the potatoes feel a bit dry after reheating, stir in a little olive oil or a splash of broth.

Leftovers make an excellent filling for wraps or as a topping for a quick grain bowl.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet