Name: Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Bake - One Pan Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well); 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes (about 4 cups); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Bake has become a weeknight staple in my kitchen. It is the kind of meal that feels hearty and satisfying without needing hours of prep work.

The combination of savory ground beef and naturally sweet potatoes creates a balanced dish that everyone at the table usually loves.

Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means you get all the flavor with very little cleanup.

What You’ll Need

Here is the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements.

Make sure to prep everything before you start cooking.

1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes (about 4 cups)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Same recipe photoshoot, same home kitchen, same natural window light, same smartphone camera style,

Instructions

Follow these steps in order for the best results. The process is straightforward and takes about 35 minutes total.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the oven rack in the middle position.
Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat. A 12 inch cast iron skillet works perfectly. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until it starts to soften.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
Add the diced sweet potatoes and drained tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth.
Stir everything together so the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the spices and juices.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This should take about 2 minutes. Then spread the mixture into an even layer in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the skillet bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like.

Keeping It Fresh

This dish stores very well, which makes it great for leftovers. Let the skillet bake cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you are ready to reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. You can also freeze this meal.

Place the cooled dish in a freezer safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Health Benefits

This recipe offers a good balance of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and fiber. Ground beef provides high quality protein and important nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. They also contain fiber, which helps keep you full and supports digestion. Using olive oil adds a small amount of healthy fat.

Compared to a classic beef and potato skillet, this version uses sweet potatoes, which have a lower glycemic index and more nutrients. It is a smart way to enjoy a comforting meal that still supports your health goals.

What Not to Do

Avoid cutting the sweet potatoes into pieces that are too large. Large chunks will not cook through in the 20 minute bake time.

Aim for uniform 1/2 inch cubes. Do not skip the step of draining the diced tomatoes. Extra liquid can make the dish watery and prevent the sweet potatoes from getting tender.

Do not use a nonstick skillet that has a plastic handle. Most plastic handles are not safe for oven temperatures above 350 degrees. Stick with a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel pan that has an oven safe metal handle.

Do not add the cheese too early. If you put it on at the start of baking, it can burn before the sweet potatoes are done. Wait until the last 5 minutes.

Recipe Variations

This dish is easy to customize based on what you have in the kitchen.

Here are a few ideas to try.

Add black beans. Stir in one can of drained and rinsed black beans along with the sweet potatoes for extra fiber and protein.
Make it spicy. Add a diced jalapeno with the onion, or stir in 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes with the spices.
Swap the cheese. Try pepper jack for a kick, or use mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken. Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You may need to add a little extra oil to prevent sticking.
Add vegetables. Stir in a cup of chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of baking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use regular russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Just note that they will cook slightly faster than sweet potatoes, so check for tenderness at 15 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten free. Just double check that your canned tomatoes and broth are certified gluten free if you have a sensitivity.

Do I have to use an oven safe skillet?

If you do not have an oven safe skillet, you can cook the beef and vegetables on the stove, then transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake for the same time and add the cheese at the end.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time since it starts cold.

What should I serve with this?

This skillet bake is a complete meal on its own. If you want a side, a simple green salad or steamed broccoli pairs well with it.