Description
A quick, high-protein one-pan dinner that balances savory beef with naturally sweet caramelized potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this gluten-free meal is ready in under 15 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Peel and dice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, letting it shimmer.
- Add ground beef to the hot pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until mostly browned but still slightly pink (about 4 minutes). Drain excess grease if desired.
- Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add diced onions to the empty space and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder). Stir constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Toss sweet potato cubes into the pan with the beef and onions. Stir to coat potatoes in the spiced beef fat.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in fresh cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately in bowls.
Notes
Ensure sweet potato cubes are uniform in size (1/2-inch) for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow for proper searing rather than steaming. If using turkey instead of beef, add a bit more olive oil as turkey is leaner. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 28
Keywords: sweet potato ground beef bowl, one pan dinner, quick weeknight meals, healthy beef recipes, gluten-free dinner, meal prep ideas, high protein meals