One-Pan Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Hello food lovers! If you want a quick, flavorful, and nutritious weeknight meal, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is an excellent choice. It combines seasoned ground beef with tender sweet potatoes, sweet corn, and poblano pepper for a balanced, one-pan dinner. The recipe is simple, adaptable, and perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. Below you’ll find ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, serving ideas, and storage guidance to make this skillet your new go-to.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 poblano pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and sour cream for serving

Optional Substitutions and Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based crumble for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Replace sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots for a different flavor profile.
• Bump up the heat with Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or cayenne.
• Add black beans for extra fiber and protein.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, cube the sweet potatoes, and dice the poblano pepper. Having everything ready before you start makes cooking faster and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat or carefully spoon it out.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.

Step 4: Incorporate Sweet Potatoes

Add the cubed sweet potatoes and 1 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well to coat the potatoes and help them start to soften.

Step 5: Add Corn and Peppers

Stir in the frozen corn and diced poblano pepper. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Melt Cheese (Optional)

If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet, cover briefly, and let the cheese melt for a rich finish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the skillet with fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

• To speed up cooking, microwave the sweet potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.
• Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings—salt, pepper, and extra taco seasoning if needed.
• For a slightly crisp finish, remove the lid and cook uncovered for the last 5 minutes.