Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and delicious meal packed with protein and vegetables. This dish combines savory ground beef, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and carrots, all cooked together in one skillet with warm spices like chili powder, ginger, and garlic. It’s an easy, nutritious, and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Why Make This Recipe

Balanced and Nutritious

This skillet dish is well-balanced, with lean ground beef providing protein, sweet potatoes and carrots for fiber and vitamins, and brussels sprouts for extra nutrients. The dish is also high in potassium, iron, and vitamin A, making it a wholesome meal.

Simple One-Pan Meal

This recipe requires only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s an easy way to prepare a nutritious, filling meal with minimal effort and time.

Full of Flavor

With spices like chili powder, garlic, and ginger, this dish has a depth of flavor that will satisfy your taste buds. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory beef, while the brussels sprouts add a nice crunch.

Ingredients & Substitutions

1 pound lean ground beef: Ground beef is the base of this dish, providing protein and flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and a mild kick. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference or swap it for smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Basil gives the dish a slight sweetness. You can substitute with Italian seasoning if you don’t have basil.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the dish. You can use low-sodium salt or adjust to taste.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little heat. Feel free to use more if you like it spicier.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds a savory depth to the dish. You can substitute with fresh onions, finely chopped, if you prefer.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Garlic adds richness and aroma. Fresh garlic is ideal, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil: Oil helps sauté the vegetables and beef. Both olive and avocado oil are healthy options, but you can use vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
2 cups carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots add sweetness and texture. You can substitute with parsnips or sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, bringing natural sweetness and fiber. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes or butternut squash.
1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the vegetables. You can adjust based on your taste.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds extra warmth to the dish. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Ginger adds a bit of zest and warmth. If you don’t have ground ginger, you can use fresh ginger instead, finely grated.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor to the dish.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper: For a little heat. You can skip this or add more depending on how spicy you like your meals.
1 cup beef stock or broth: The broth helps to cook the vegetables and add flavor. You can use chicken or vegetable stock if you prefer.
1 pound brussels sprouts, diced: Brussels sprouts add crunch and are a great source of fiber. You can substitute with other leafy greens like kale or spinach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula to crumble the meat. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, basil, and minced garlic. Stir for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Cook the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and heat it up. Add the diced sweet potatoes and carrots. Season with salt, chili powder, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sides of the sweet potatoes begin to brown.
Add the ground beef and brussels sprouts:
- Reduce the heat to medium and return the ground beef to the skillet. Add the beef stock and diced brussels sprouts. Stir everything together, making sure the beef and vegetables are well combined.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are tender.
Serve:
- Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet on its own or with a side of rice or noodles.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet dish can be served on its own for a light meal or paired with steamed rice or noodles to make it more filling. You can also serve it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the flavors.

How to Store Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen up the dish. You can also freeze the skillet for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container, and reheat by simmering on the stove or microwaving.

Tips to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Brown the turkey well: When cooking the ground beef, make sure it’s browned evenly to develop a deeper flavor. This will help the meat release its natural juices and add richness to the dish.
Cook the sweet potatoes evenly: Sweet potatoes take a bit longer to cook than other vegetables, so make sure you give them enough time to soften. If needed, cover the skillet while cooking to speed up the process.
Adjust seasoning: Depending on your preference, you can add more chili powder or crushed red pepper to make the dish spicier or milder.

Variations

Add beans: Add black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
Swap the beef: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even ground lamb as an alternative to beef.
Spicy version: Increase the amount of chipotle or chili powder for a spicier dish, or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein crumbles instead of ground beef.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also reheats well, so it’s great for meal prep.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, and brussels sprouts, all seasoned with a touch of chili powder and ginger, this one-pan meal is a satisfying and nutritious choice for the whole family.