Healthy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Veggie Skillet
40 min
|
easy
|
high-protein,
low-fat,
Mediterranean diet,
paleo-friendly
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 20 min | 40 min |
Introduction
This healthy ground beef and sweet potato veggie skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner that feels cozy but still light.
Smoky paprika, tender sweet potatoes, and plenty of veggies make every bite rich, colorful, and seriously satisfying.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or any time you want a protein-packed, veggie-loaded comfort meal.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Healthy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Veggie Skillet
-
Prep the veggies and seasonings
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly in the skillet.
Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and chop the spinach so everything is ready by the stove.
Measure out the smoked paprika, cumin, beef bouillon, salt, and black pepper so they are ready to add quickly.
-
Start cooking the sweet potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced sweet potatoes, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and a pinch of pepper, stirring to coat.
Cook, stirring every few minutes, for 8 to 10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are almost tender and lightly browned.
If the pan gets dry or the potatoes start to stick, add a tablespoon of water and cover briefly.
-
Brown the ground beef with the onion
Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the pan, or transfer them to a plate if your skillet feels crowded.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the empty space, then add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes.
Crumble in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon into small pieces.
Cook, stirring often, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Season the beef with the remaining salt and black pepper as it cooks so the flavor builds in the pan.
-
Add garlic, bell pepper, and spices
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, and beef bouillon evenly over the beef, then stir for about 30 seconds.
Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes until the pepper begins to soften.
If you use bouillon paste or cubes, dissolve it in 2 tablespoons hot water first so it distributes evenly.
Stir the sweet potatoes back through the beef mixture so everything is combined.
-
Wilt the spinach and finish seasoning
Add the chopped spinach on top of the hot mixture and let it sit for 30 seconds to start wilting.
Stir gently until the spinach is wilted and bright green, 1 to 2 minutes, then taste and adjust salt or pepper.
For softer sweet potatoes, lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook 2 more minutes to steam everything together.
-
Serve the skillet
Serve the skillet hot on its own, or spoon it into bowls over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Top with fresh herbs, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra color and bright flavor.
Substitutions
- Sweet potatoes -> butternut squash cubes
- Replace the sweet potato cubes with the same amount of peeled, 1/2-inch butternut squash cubes. The color and gentle sweetness stay similar, but the squash turns a bit silkier and more velvety as it softens.
- Ground beef -> half ground beef, half finely chopped mushrooms
- Use 1/2 pound lean ground beef and 8 ounces very finely chopped cremini or button mushrooms instead of all beef. The mushrooms soak up the seasonings and juices, giving a meaty bite with less saturated fat and extra umami.
- Spinach -> chopped kale
- Swap the chopped spinach for the same amount of finely chopped lacinato or curly kale. Kale takes a few extra minutes to soften, but it adds a slightly chewier texture and a deeper green flavor.
Tips
- Cut sweet potatoes the same size
- Aim for 1/2-inch cubes so the sweet potatoes cook through in the same time and do not burn on the edges.
- Use a wide, heavy skillet
- A 12-inch cast-iron or stainless skillet spreads the heat evenly and gives the beef and potatoes better browning.
- Adjust salt for your bouillon
- Bouillon brands vary a lot in saltiness, so start with less sea salt and add more at the end if needed.
- Drain or spoon off extra fat
- If your beef is not very lean, tilt the pan and spoon off extra fat before adding the spices and spinach.
- Cool completely for meal prep
- Let the skillet cool to room temperature before refrigerating so condensation does not make the vegetables soggy. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water until steaming hot.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 319 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 25 | g |
| Total Fat | 14 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- My sweet potatoes are still firm when the beef is done. What should I do?
- Lower the heat to medium-low, add 2 to 3 tablespoons water, and cover the skillet tightly. Let it cook a few more minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
- The skillet looks too greasy or watery. How can I fix the texture?
- If there is a lot of fat, use a spoon to scoop some out before you add the spinach. If it seems watery, cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring often, until the liquid reduces to a saucy glaze.
- Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
- You can use frozen diced onions, peppers, or spinach; just add them straight from the freezer. Cook a few extra minutes so their liquid evaporates, or the skillet can turn soupy.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the smoked paprika and cumin. You can also stir in a chopped chipotle in adobo for smoky heat that matches the sweet potatoes nicely.
- Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
- Yes, this skillet freezes well because there is no dairy to separate. Cool completely, pack into airtight containers, and freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet is lovely alongside a simple green salad or crisp roasted Brussels sprouts for extra vegetables and texture.
Try topping each bowl with a fried or poached egg, which adds rich sauce and turns it into brunch.
For a fun twist, wrap the filling in warm tortillas with salsa for quick, veggie-packed tacos.
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