Looking for a healthy, delicious, and adaptable meal? Then you’ve come to the right place. Ground beef and sweet potato are a match made in heaven, and they’re incredibly versatile.
This combination appeals to home cooks because it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, you can easily tweak this dish to fit different dietary needs and preferences. Think tacos, bowls, or even stuffed peppers — the possibilities are endless.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to preparing and enjoying fantastic ground beef and sweet potato recipes. Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
The best ground beef and sweet potato recipes start with quality ingredients, so let’s explore the nutritional benefits of the two main components of this dish.
Ground Beef
Opting for lean ground beef, such as 92% lean or higher, is a good way to keep the recipe healthy. That said, some cooks prefer ground beef with a little more fat (like 80/20) for a richer, meatier flavor.
Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. There are many different varieties, from the classic orange-fleshed sweet potato to white, yellow, or even purple sweet potatoes, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Other Common Ingredients
Many ground beef and sweet potato recipes also incorporate onions, bell peppers, black beans, and various spices for added flavor and nutrition.
Basic ground beef and sweet potato skillet recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for a ground beef and sweet potato skillet that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Preparing the sweet potatoes
First, you’ll need to cook your sweet potatoes. You can roast them, microwave them, or dice them and cook them right in the skillet.
For roasting, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, roast the sweet potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes, or until they’re tender. If you’re dicing the potatoes, try to cut them into equal-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
Cooking the ground beef
Next, it’s time to brown the ground beef in a skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. If you’re using ground beef that’s not very lean, drain off any extra grease.
Combining ingredients and seasoning
Add any vegetables you’d like to include, such as diced onions and bell peppers, to the skillet. Cook them until they’re softened.
Now, add in the cooked sweet potatoes and the ground beef. Season everything with taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through, then serve.
Enjoy this simple and nutritious meal on its own or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Flavor variations and customizations
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. Feel free to play around with it and make it your own!
Spice level adjustments
Want to kick up the heat? Add more jalapeño! Or, for a more nuanced flavor, experiment with different types of chili powder. Ancho chili powder will give you a mild, fruity heat, while chipotle powder will add a smoky kick. If you’re spice-averse, simply omit the jalapeño altogether.
Adding beans and vegetables
Bump up the fiber and flavor by stirring in a can of black beans or some sweet corn. You can also sneak in some extra nutrients by adding other veggies like diced zucchini, baby spinach, or chopped kale. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking until they’re tender-crisp.
Cheese and toppings
A little cheese never hurt anyone! Sprinkle some Mexican cheese blend or shredded cheddar on top for a richer flavor. Then, go crazy with the toppings! I love topping this dish with diced avocado, fresh salsa, a dollop of Greek yogurt (it’s a healthier alternative to sour cream!), chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Serving suggestions
This ground beef and sweet potato mixture is so versatile, you can use it in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
Tacos and burritos
This filling is amazing in tacos and burritos. Just spoon some of the mixture into a tortilla and add your favorite toppings, like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Bowls and salads
Want a light yet satisfying meal? Serve the mixture over rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl. Add some lettuce, tomatoes, and other salad ingredients for a refreshing twist.
Stuffed peppers and quesadillas
For a comforting and colorful dish, stuff bell peppers with the ground beef and sweet potato mixture and bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
You can also use the mixture as a filling for quesadillas. Just spread it between two tortillas with some cheese and grill or pan-fry until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Meal prep and storage
This recipe is great for meal prepping because it’s easy to make a big batch on Sunday and then eat it throughout the week. Here are some tips for easy meal prep and simple storage.
Meal prep tips
- To save time, chop all the veggies in advance and store them in the fridge.
- Make a double or triple batch of the ground beef and sweet potato mixture.
Storage instructions
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze this dish for longer storage (2-3 months), let it cool completely before you pack it into freezer-safe containers.
Reheating instructions
Reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave it for a minute or two until it’s warmed through.
Expert Tips and Troubleshooting
Here are some tips to make sure your ground beef and sweet potato skillet turns out perfectly:
- Use a vegetable chopper to make sure all your vegetables are uniformly sized. This will help them cook evenly.
- If your sweet potatoes are not fork-tender after 20 minutes, add another 1/4 cup of water and continue to cook until they soften.
- If the dish is too watery at the end, remove the lid and allow the excess liquid to evaporate over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
In Summary
Ground beef and sweet potatoes are a delicious, nutritious, and flexible combination. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe is a winner.
So, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different spices, toppings, and serving suggestions to find your perfect ground beef and sweet potato creation.