Comfort food doesn’t have to mean heavy or time-consuming. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner that brings together bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, and effortless prep. Juicy seasoned ground beef mingles with tender chunks of sweet potatoes, all caramelized in a sizzling skillet for a savory-sweet bite that feels both hearty and wholesome.

Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution that actually tastes good, this recipe has your back. It’s naturally gluten-free, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Add your favorite greens, spice it up with cayenne, or keep it classic with fresh parsley. No matter how you spin it, this dish delivers big.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

One-pan simplicity – fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Comforting and cozy with a hint of sweetness from the potatoes.
Protein-packed to keep you full longer.
Meal-prep friendly – holds up well in the fridge.
Versatile for low-carb or veggie-packed swaps.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can work in place of ground beef. Just keep an eye on your seasoning—turkey is leaner, so it may need a bit more salt or spice to keep the flavor bold.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

To make this skillet sing with flavor, every ingredient plays a purpose:

Ground Beef: The savory anchor of the skillet. Use 85/15 for a juicy but not overly greasy result.
Sweet Potatoes: Adds sweetness and a hearty texture. Diced small so they cook quickly.
Onion: A flavor base that caramelizes into sweet, aromatic goodness.
Garlic: Elevates the flavor with depth and warmth.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with beef.
Cumin: For a slight earthy kick that gives this skillet its warmth.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balance and brightness.
Olive Oil: Helps with browning and adds richness.
Fresh Parsley: For a bright, herbaceous finish.

How To Make the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add olive oil to the same pan. Toss in diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet along with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly.

Step 4: Let It All Simmer

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the lid, stir the beef back in, and let everything cook together for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Skillet Dish

This skillet serves about 4 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or leftover lunches. For serving, dish it straight from the skillet while hot, maybe with a drizzle of hot sauce or a fried egg on top for breakfast-style vibes.

To store, let it cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a nutty crunch and contrasts the soft sweet potatoes.

Fried Eggs

Turn it into a protein-packed breakfast bowl.

Avocado Slices

Bring creaminess and healthy fats to the plate.

Side Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Brightens and balances the rich flavors.

Greek Yogurt Dollop

Adds tang and a cooling element.

Warm Tortillas

Scoop the skillet mix right in and wrap it up.

Cornbread

Leans into comfort food territory for extra coziness.

Spicy Pickles or Kimchi

Cut through the richness with sharp, zesty contrast.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this easy one-pan meal, you might love these cozy dinners too:

Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for creamy, cheesy comfort.
Creamy Beef and Shells when you want pasta with beefy goodness.
Garlic Butter Meatballs with Parmesan Penne if you’re in the mood for something Italian-inspired.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick, indulgent twist.
Ground Beef Stroganoff when you’re craving something rich and nostalgic.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Tried it with ground turkey? Added mushrooms or kale? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! I love seeing your spins on these weeknight faves.

Explore beautifully curated healthy and hearty dinner ideas over on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest – the go-to board for flavor-packed inspiration!

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Author: Nora
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy, and quick dinner recipe, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is your new weeknight hero. With lean ground beef, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a simple blend of smoky spices, this one-pan meal delivers bold flavor and wholesome satisfaction. It’s perfect for those craving easy dinner ideas, healthy skillet meals, or quick food recipes that the whole family will love. Packed with protein, naturally gluten-free, and great for meal prep—this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat!

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. In the same skillet, add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add sweet potatoes to the skillet, followed by smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.

5. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

6. Stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes to combine flavors.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

Dice sweet potatoes small and evenly to ensure even cooking and faster prep time.

You can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based option for a leaner or vegetarian version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 410
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: ground beef skillet, healthy dinner, sweet potato dinner, easy skillet meal, gluten-free dinner