Name: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (can substitute ground turkey); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil; 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced; 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use ½ teaspoon for more heat); 1 cup beef stock or broth; 1 pound Brussels sprouts, diced

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 65 reviews

If you’re searching for a hearty, colorful, and downright delicious one-pan meal, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is sure to become a dinner favorite. Picture tender ground beef mingling with sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes and vibrant Brussels sprouts, all seasoned with a perfect blend of spices that dance on your tongue. It’s a comforting and wholesome dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying, marrying savory and sweet notes with a hint of heat that brings everything beautifully together. Whether you’re busy on a weeknight or craving a simple yet impressive meal, this skillet recipe has you covered with bold flavors and inviting textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan filled with cooked ground meat that is broken into small uneven pieces, showing a rich brown color with some darker crispy parts, spread evenly across the pan's surface. The white pan contrasts with the dark brown cooked meat, sitting on a white marbled surface. There is no other visible layer or ingredient in the pan photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish shine.

Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with the sweet vegetables.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, gentle heat that enlivens the entire skillet.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal brightness to balance the richness.
Salt (1 ¾ teaspoons total): Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness in the veggies.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of spiciness.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon total): Deepens the savory notes throughout the dish.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic foundation.
Olive or avocado oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that perfect golden browning on the veggies.
Carrots (2 cups, peeled and diced): Introduce sweet earthiness and vibrant orange pops of color.
Sweet potatoes (2 cups, diced): Deliver natural sweetness and a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the meat.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon or more): Bring a gentle kick to elevate the flavors.
Beef stock or broth (1 cup): Enhances the savory depth and keeps everything moist during cooking.
Brussels sprouts (1 pound, diced): Add earthy, slightly bitter notes and a wonderful crisp-tender bite.

How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by warming a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer). Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles and let it cook until it’s nicely browned all over. This step develops the rich, savory base flavor that is so important for the dish.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Once browned, stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, dried basil, and minced garlic. Let this mixture sauté for about a minute until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. This quick sauté blooms the spices and infuses the beef with mouthwatering aromas. Afterward, transfer the beef and garlic out of the skillet and set aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

Add your oil to the same skillet and heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and carrots, then sprinkle with salt, chili powder, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Keep the heat at medium-high to encourage some browning, which adds fantastic texture and enhances the sweet potato’s natural sugars. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often so everything crisps up beautifully on the edges.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer with Brussels Sprouts

Lower the heat to medium and add the browned ground beef back to the skillet, along with the beef stock and diced Brussels sprouts. Stir everything together well and cover the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes until the Brussels sprouts soften just right. This final simmer lets all the flavors meld while keeping the veggies tender yet with a slight bite.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

A white pan filled with three main layers mixed together: small, round orange carrot slices; small green Brussels sprout halves with a slightly glossy look; and browned ground beef bits with a crumbly texture. The vegetables and meat are evenly spread and mixed, showing a balance of bright green, vibrant orange, and rich brown colors with black pepper specks on top. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a steel spoon containing red pepper flakes above it, a small white bowl with cracked chili flakes to the left, and a blue cloth napkin to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To give your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a little shredded cheese can also add creamy delight that balances the spices wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish holds its own, but if you want to make a full meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up any juices. Roasted or steamed greens also complement the flavors nicely without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Spoon the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet into warm, roasted bell pepper halves for individual servings. Or serve it over fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist that still packs all the comfort and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can easily store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making it even tastier when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe on hand for busy days, it freezes beautifully. Let it cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to revive those lovely textures.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and makes the dish a bit lighter, though the beef adds a richer flavor and heartiness.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for firm crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth in place of beef stock.

How spicy is this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper to suit your taste.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can dice the vegetables in advance and even brown the meat earlier in the day, then assemble and cook the full skillet shortly before serving to save time.

What other vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for extra color and nutrients. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the vegetables tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is truly one of those meals that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s straightforward enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover just how satisfying and delicious a simple skillet meal can be.

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need