Introduction
Welcome to a delicious adventure in your own kitchen! This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect one-pan wonder that brings warmth and flavor to your dining table. With its vibrant colors and lovely aroma, this dish is not only pleasing to the eye but is packed with nutrients to keep you energized. Imagine tender sweet potatoes complementing the savory ground beef, all brought together with a medley of spices. It’s a delightful meal that checks all the boxes for a cozy weeknight dinner, and it’s ready in just 45 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute, filling your kitchen with its inviting aroma.
- Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown and for the flavors to meld together, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
- Season the beef with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing everything well to ensure that each bite bursts with flavor.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, tossing everything to combine thoroughly.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are nice and tender.
- Remove from heat, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness before serving.
Notes or Tips
Feel free to customize this skillet by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach or zucchini, or even swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a different twist. If you prefer a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking. This dish also makes for excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping throughout the week!
Cooking Techniques
Sautéing is the key technique used in this recipe, allowing the vegetables to caramelize and the ground beef to brown perfectly. Covering the skillet during cooking traps steam, which helps to soften the sweet potatoes without losing moisture. By incorporating spices early on, you ensure a rich depth of flavor that infuses every ingredient.
FAQ
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave.
- What can I serve with this skillet? This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Is this dish suitable for freezing? Yes! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is not only a delightful meal bursting with flavor but also a wonderful way to bring the family together around the dinner table. Quick to make and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. So grab that skillet, whip up this comforting dish, and enjoy the warm, welcoming feast that awaits!