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If you’re looking for a comforting and vibrant dish that brings together hearty, wholesome ingredients with a burst of warm, inviting spices, the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach and Spices Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This skillet meal brilliantly balances the savory richness of ground beef with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, all brightened by fresh spinach and layers of smoky paprika, cumin, and chili powder. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s as colorful as it is satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a comforting meal that feels both nourishing and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting dinner on the table is a breeze with these simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a depth of flavor, delightful texture, and a beautiful palette of colors in your skillet.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich and hearty base with satisfying protein and flavor.
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Add natural sweetness and a tender, slightly creamy contrast to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings a mellow, savory bite that builds the flavor foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the skillet with warm, aromatic notes that make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a splash of color and subtle sweetness for brightness.
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves: Offers a fresh, leafy green boost, softening perfectly into the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky depth that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces an earthy warmth that complements the beef and sweet potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a subtle kick and complexity without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that lift and balance the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking, ensuring the ingredients sauté and mingle beautifully.
- Optional: avocado slices and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish: These add a creamy freshness and herbal brightness when serving.
How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them gently until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step creates a deliciously savory foundation for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Crank up the heat to medium-high and add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks so that the meat browns evenly, sealing in all its juicy flavor. Cook until no pink remains, then drain off any excess fat for a lighter finish.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes and Peppers
Remove the browned beef mixture and set it aside to rest. In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and stir occasionally over medium heat until they begin to soften and develop a golden hue, roughly 10 minutes. Then, add the red bell pepper pieces, continuing to cook until they are tender and vibrant, about 3 to 4 more minutes.
Step 4: Bring It All Together with Spices and Spinach
Return the ground beef to the skillet, combining it with the sweet potatoes and peppers. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and generous pinches of salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so that the spices beautifully coat the ingredients. Lower the heat and gently fold in the fresh spinach leaves. Allow them to wilt down for about 1 to 2 minutes, lending a fresh green pop and additional nutrients.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and, if you’re feeling fancy, top your skillet creation with creamy avocado slices and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. These little touches add creaminess and a fresh herbal lift that perfectly complements the warm spices.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
While garnishes are optional, adding avocado slices and fresh cilantro really elevates the dish. The cool, creamy avocado balances the spices beautifully, and the cilantro adds a bright, herbal finish that enlivens each mouthful. You can also sprinkle a little crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt for some tangy richness.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread makes a lovely accompaniment. For a heartier feast, consider serving with steamed quinoa or cauliflower rice to soak up every bit of the flavorful juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach and Spices Recipe in individual ramekins or build it into stuffed bell peppers for a festive presentation. You can even turn it into a loaded bowl with a base of brown rice and a drizzle of spicy yogurt sauce for added indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners when you don’t have time to cook.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this skillet meal in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure it has cooled completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to maintain the delicious flavor and texture of the sweet potatoes and spinach.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will absorb the spices beautifully, though the flavor will be slightly milder compared to beef.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
If sweet potatoes aren’t your favorite, diced butternut squash, carrots, or even regular potatoes can be excellent substitutes, each bringing their own unique sweetness and texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach and Spices Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use oil for cooking and adjust the spices to taste for a hearty, flavorful alternative.
How spicy is this recipe?
This skillet has a mild warmth thanks to chili powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Feel free to adjust the chili powder amount or add fresh chili if you like it hotter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the comfort and color that the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach and Spices Recipe brings to your table. It’s an easy-to-make dish packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s sure to become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos. So grab your skillet and give it a try; delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated!
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet featuring tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh spinach, all cooked together in one pan for an easy and nutritious meal. Perfect for a quick dinner packed with savory spices and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
Spices and Oils
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Avocado slices
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat: Remove excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Set beef aside: Remove the browned ground beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside temporarily.
- Add more oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to cook the sweet potatoes.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes, cooking on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
- Add bell pepper: Add chopped red bell pepper to sweet potatoes and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper softens.
- Combine beef and vegetables: Return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet with the sweet potatoes and bell peppers.
- Season the dish: Sprinkle smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the skillet contents. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add spinach: Reduce heat to low, fold in fresh spinach leaves, and cook until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with avocado slices and chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- If you prefer softer sweet potatoes, cover the skillet while cooking to steam them slightly.
- This dish pairs well with a side of rice or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
