Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes: Your New Weeknight Hero

Let me tell you about the night that changed everything in our kitchen. It was a chilly Wednesday, the kids were hangry (hungry + angry = disaster), and I had exactly 30 minutes before soccer practice. That’s when I threw together what would become our family’s most requested dinner: this incredible ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet. Now, whenever I make it, my husband literally does a happy dance. No joke.

Why This Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Combo Works Magic

You know those recipes that make you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat? This is it. The natural sweetness of the potatoes plays so nicely with the savory beef, while the Brussels sprouts add this amazing nutty crunch. It’s comfort food that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty – basically, it’s what happens when nutrition and deliciousness have a beautiful baby.

What You’ll Need (The Good Stuff)

For the Beef Magic:

1. 1 pound lean ground beef (turkey’s great too if that’s your jam)
2. 1 teaspoon chili powder
3. 1 teaspoon dried basil
4. ¾ teaspoon salt
5. ½ teaspoon black pepper
6. ½ teaspoon onion powder
7. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

For the Veggie Goodness:

1. 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
2. 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
3. 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (that’s about 1 big one or 2 smaller guys)
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 1 teaspoon chili powder
6. ½ teaspoon ground ginger
7. ½ teaspoon onion powder
8. ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (go wild with ½ tsp if you like it spicy)
9. 1 cup beef stock or broth
10. 1 pound Brussels sprouts, diced

The Step-by-Step Dance (So Easy, You’ll Laugh)

Fire up that large skillet and let’s do this! Start by browning your ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. We’re going for nice and crumbly here – about 5-7 minutes should do it. Pro tip: this is the perfect time to sneak a piece of chocolate from your secret stash. I won’t tell.

Once that beef is looking fine, toss in all those spices – salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, basil, and garlic. Let everything party together for about a minute until your kitchen smells like you know what you’re doing. Scoop out the beef and set it aside. It’ll be back for the finale.

Now comes the fun part. Add your oil to the same skillet (hello, flavor!) and get it nice and hot. Throw in those sweet potato and carrot chunks, then hit them with the seasoning squad: salt, chili powder, ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Keep that heat cranked up – we want those edges to get all golden and crispy. Stir them around for 5-10 minutes until they look like little gems.

Turn down the heat to medium and bring back your beef. Pour in the stock and add those Brussels sprouts. Mix it all up like you’re creating edible art. Pop a lid on and let everything simmer for 5-8 minutes until the Brussels sprouts are tender but still have some attitude.

Need more quick dinner wins? Try my 30-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry for another busy night rescue.

Sarah’s Kitchen Secrets

Okay, between you and me – that browning on the sweet potatoes? That’s where the flavor lives. Don’t rush it. Let those babies get nice and caramelized. It’s the difference between « this is good » and « oh my goodness, what IS this?! »

Also, here’s a game-changer: prep your veggies while you’re making breakfast or watching TV the night before. Store them in containers in the fridge, and boom – dinner’s halfway done before you even start.

And listen, if Brussels sprouts aren’t your thing (yet), try green beans or broccoli. The recipe’s forgiving like that – kind of like your favorite stretchy pants.

Your Burning Questions (I’ve Got You)

The Secret Behind the Flavor Symphony

There’s something magical about how ground beef and sweet potatoes work together. The beef brings that hearty, protein-packed satisfaction while the sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and tons of vitamins. Throw in those Brussels sprouts for texture and nutrition, and you’ve got a complete meal that checks all the boxes.

Looking for more balanced meals? My Balanced Buddha Bowl is another nutrition powerhouse.

I remember the first time I served this to my mother-in-law (talk about pressure!). She took one bite and asked for the recipe – that’s when I knew we had a winner. Now it’s become our Tuesday night tradition, and honestly? It makes the whole week feel more manageable knowing this easy, delicious meal is coming.

This ground beef and sweet potatoes skillet isn’t just dinner – it’s peace of mind on a plate. It’s knowing you can feed your family something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s having leftovers that make tomorrow’s lunch a breeze. And most importantly? It’s seeing those empty plates and satisfied smiles around your table.