Hate Weeknights? Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet: 30 Mins

Okay, so picture this: it’s Wednesday night, you’re *starving*, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Sound familiar? That’s where my favorite weeknight lifesaver comes in: this amazing Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet! It’s a total one-pan wonder, which means dinner *and* minimal cleanup. Hallelujah!

Seriously, I used to dread weeknights. Between work and the kids’ activities, cooking felt like a chore. But then I discovered this skillet recipe, and it’s been a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love it! I’ve been making variations of this recipe for years, tweaking the spices just so. After countless iterations, I can confidently say this version is the BEST!

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

Quick and Easy One-Pan Meal

Seriously, who has time for a mountain of dishes? This skillet is a *dream* because everything cooks together in one pan. Less mess, more time to relax!

Healthy and Nutritious

Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, and the lean ground beef gives you a good protein punch. It’s a meal you can feel good about! For more information on the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this USDA FoodData Central entry.

Flavorful and Satisfying

The chili powder, basil, and garlic create this amazing flavor that just *works* with the sweet potatoes. Plus, it’s super filling – no one will leave the table hungry!

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Forget takeout! This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s faster *and* healthier. You can’t beat that!

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Ingredients

Ground Beef

You’ll want a pound of lean ground beef – about 90% lean is perfect. Or, if you’re feeling like mixing it up, ground turkey works great too!

Spices and Seasonings

Okay, for flavor, we’re talking 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and a teaspoon of minced garlic. Don’t skip the garlic!

Vegetables

Grab 2 cups of diced carrots, 2 cups of diced sweet potatoes (about ½-inch cubes, you don’t want them too big!), and a pound of diced brussels sprouts. I usually buy them pre-diced to save time, but that’s just me!

Oil and Broth

We need 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil for sautéing the veggies. And 1 cup of beef stock or broth – low sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the salt.

How to Prepare Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Brown the Ground Beef

First things first, grab your biggest skillet and crank it up to medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef (or turkey!) and get ready to brown it. As it cooks, use your spatula to crumble it into smaller pieces – you don’t want big chunks!

Once it’s mostly browned – like, *mostly*, don’t worry about every single pink spot – stir in that chili powder, basil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic. Let it all sizzle together for about a minute. The spices will get all fragrant, and it’ll smell amazing. Then, scoop the beef out of the pan and set it aside for now. We’ll need it later!

Sauté the Vegetables

Now, pour your olive or avocado oil into the same skillet – don’t wipe it out, we want those beefy bits! Add your diced sweet potatoes and carrots. Season them with the salt, chili powder, ginger, onion powder, and those red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling brave!).

Sauté those veggies for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the potatoes to start browning and softening up a bit. Don’t worry if they’re not *completely* cooked through – they’ll finish cooking later. The key is to get some nice color on them. Careful, it splatters sometimes!

Simmer the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Alright, now reduce the heat to medium. Add the ground beef back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour in your beef stock (or broth) and then toss in those diced brussels sprouts. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are tender. You want them to be soft enough to pierce easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it, and if the liquid is reducing too quickly, just add a splash more broth. And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a delicious Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet!

Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

Trust me on this one – go for lean ground beef! You’ll get way less grease in your skillet. Nobody wants a swimming pool of fat at the end, right?

Dicing the Sweet Potatoes

Make sure you dice those sweet potatoes into roughly the same size. This will ensure they cook evenly. No one likes crunchy bits mixed with mushy ones!

Adjusting the Spices

Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices! If you like it hot, add a pinch more chili powder or those red pepper flakes. This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is all about making it YOUR favorite!

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Variations

Add Different Vegetables

Wanna mix it up? Throw in some diced bell peppers – red, yellow, orange, whatever you’ve got! Zucchini is also a great addition. Just toss ’em in with the sweet potatoes and carrots. Easy peasy!

Spice It Up

Feeling fiery? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix! Or, drizzle a little hot sauce over the top before serving. My favorite is sriracha – gives it a nice kick!

Make It Vegetarian

Yup, you can totally make this vegetarian! Just swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground beef substitute. There are some really good ones out there now. You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit, so keep an eye on it!

Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Serve with a Side Salad

Seriously, a simple green salad is the perfect contrast to the warm, savory skillet. A little vinaigrette, and you’re good to go! Try this Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette for a refreshing dressing.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

Want to make it even more filling? Serve your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It soaks up all those delicious juices!

Top with a Fried Egg

Okay, this is my favorite. A perfectly fried egg on top adds a little extra protein and richness. Plus, that runny yolk? Amazing!

Storing and Reheating Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat – just add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Or, zap it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute. It’s a bit leaner, so you might need a *tiny* bit more oil when browning it. Also, turkey tends to cook a little faster, so just keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed. It’ll still be delicious!

Can I freeze the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Yep! This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then pop it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

How can I make this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet spicier?

Oh, you want some heat? Easy! Just add a little more chili powder or those red pepper flakes to the spice mix. You could even add a dash of cayenne pepper for a real kick. Taste as you go, and adjust to your liking!

What if I don’t have brussels sprouts for this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

No sprouts? No problem! Green beans or broccoli florets make great substitutes. Just toss ’em in during the last few minutes of cooking, so they don’t get too mushy. You could even use chopped cabbage!

Nutritional Information of Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutritional info below is just an estimate. It’s gonna vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. I’m not a nutritionist, so please don’t take this as gospel! But here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting per serving…

Calories: 367kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 1347mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Just remember – this is just a guideline! Use your own nutrition calculator for a more precise breakdown based on what *you* put in your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Enjoy Your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet!

Alright, that’s it! Go give this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet a try. Let me know what you think in the comments – and don’t forget to rate and share! Happy cooking!

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