Ground beef and sweet potatoes is two of the best things you can have in your kitchen. They’re really easy to work with and also good for you. Ground beef gives you a load of protein and other nutrients your body needs, while sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fibers and taste a little sweet too. You can use them for a quick weeknight dinner or even for a bigger meal prep if you want.
In this article we’ll go over why they’re so good for you, share some simple recipes, and give you tips for cooking and swapping ingredients. Whether you’re pretty good in the kitchen or just starting, you’ll get ideas to help you make tasty meals with ground beef and sweet potatoes.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes
When you look at nutrition, both ground beef and sweet potatoes bring good stuff to your plate. Knowing what they offer helps you decide when you plan your meals.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is full of protein and other important nutrients. Here’s what a normal serving (3 ounces) gives you:
- Protein: About 22 grams. You need protein for building muscle, fixing tissue, and keeping your immune system working.
- Iron: A type called heme iron that your body absorbs easier than iron from plants. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood.
- B Vitamins: Especially B12, which your nerves and blood cells need.
All this makes ground beef a strong choice if you want to get protein and iron in a simple way.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are like nature’s candy but with a ton of good stuff inside. Here’s why they’re great:
- Fiber: About 4 grams per medium potato. Fiber keeps your digestion moving and helps you feel full.
- Beta-Carotene: An antioxidant your body turns into vitamin A. That’s good for your eyes, skin, and immune system.
- Vitamins & Minerals: They’re rich in vitamin C, B6, and potassium, which helps control your blood pressure and keep your muscles working.
Adding sweet potatoes to meals makes them tastier and more balanced nutrition-wise.
Cooking Techniques for Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes
Getting the right cooking methods for ground beef and sweet potatoes can up your game in the kitchen. Here are some easy ways to do it.
Cooking Ground Beef
- Browning: Heat a pan on medium-high. Add the meat and let it sit for a few minutes without moving it. That makes it taste better. Then break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s all brown.
- Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder or onion powder while it cooks so the flavor sticks. You can also toss in herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Draining Fat: If your beef has a lot of fat, tip the pan and spoon off the extra, or drain it in a colander.
Cooking Sweet Potatoes
- Roasting: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut potatoes into cubes, toss with oil, salt, pepper, and roast 25–30 minutes till they’re tender and a bit crispy.
- Boiling: Peel and chunk them, boil in salted water 15–20 minutes until you can stick a fork in easily. Drain and mash or puree.
- Mashing: After boiling, mash with butter, salt, and pepper for a creamy side dish.
Top Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipes
Want more ground beef ideas? Check out our Best Ground Beef Recipes for more inspiration.
Recipe 1: Cheesy Sweet Potato and Beef Casserole
This dish layers ground beef and sweet potatoes with melted cheese on top. It’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or whatever you like)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat a bit of oil. Cook onion and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until it’s all browned.
- In a baking dish, layer sweet potato slices, then the beef. Do one more layer, ending with potatoes.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes, remove foil, and bake 10–15 more until cheese bubbles and potatoes are tender.
Tips
- Try different cheeses for new flavors.
- Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Recipe 2: Sweet Potato and Beef Skillet
A fast, one-pan meal that mixes ground beef with sweet potatoes and peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Cook onion and garlic until you smell them, about 2 minutes.
- Add beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook till brown.
- Add sweet potatoes and bell pepper, cover and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring now and then, until potatoes are soft.
Tips
- Add chili powder or cumin for a southwest twist.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top before you eat.
Recipe 3: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Ground Beef
These are baked sweet potatoes filled with a beef and bean mix. Easy and filling.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt
- Sour cream and green onions for topping
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Poke holes in potatoes and bake 45 minutes until tender.
- In a skillet, brown beef with cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir in beans.
- Let potatoes cool a bit, slice open, and fluff the inside with a fork.
- Fill each potato with the beef and bean mix. Top with sour cream and onions.
Tips
- Mix in taco seasoning or hot sauce for more kick.
- Check potatoes with a fork before taking them out of the oven.
Recipe 4: Sweet Potato and Beef Meatballs
These meatballs work great as a snack or main dish when you serve them with a salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Form into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
Tips
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Recipe 5: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili
A warm, hearty chili that’s great for making ahead and freezing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add beef and brown it.
- Stir in potatoes, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add 2 cups of water or broth.
- Simmer 30–40 minutes until potatoes are tender and flavors mix together.
Tips
- Top with cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor.
- This chili freezes well, so make a big batch for later.
Meal Prep Ideas with Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes
- Batch Cooking: Cook lots of beef or potatoes at once and store in the fridge for the week.
- Balanced Bowls: Combine beef, roasted potatoes, and veggies in containers for easy lunches.
- Freezer Meals: Make casseroles or chili ahead, freeze them, then thaw in the fridge the night before.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef Swaps: Use turkey or chicken to make it leaner. For vegetarian, try lentils or tofu.
- Sweet Potato Swaps: White potatoes (try our Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes), butternut squash, or even zucchini can work instead.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, turkey is leaner and works well. It’s milder, so you might want to add more spices.
What should I serve with these dishes?
Good sides are steamed veggies, salads, or grains like quinoa. You can also use sauces like yogurt or salsa.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in airtight containers in the fridge up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
Are sweet potatoes and ground beef healthy?
Yes! Beef gives high-quality protein and iron, while sweet potatoes add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Can I freeze these meals?
Definitely. Let them cool before packing into freezer-safe containers. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready.
Conclusion
Ground beef and sweet potatoes are a great pair for tasty, healthy meals. Don’t be afraid to try new recipes or change up ingredients to fit what you like and have on hand.
ground beef and sweet potato recipes
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1 pound, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper bell pepper any color, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- for garnish optional fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, followed by the beef broth, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Once ready, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
