If you’re looking for hearty, nutritious, and easy meals, these ground beef and sweet potato recipes are exactly what you need. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and extra nutrients like fiber and vitamin A, while ground beef adds protein and savory flavor. Together, they create dishes that are filling, balanced, and absolutely delicious.
In this article, you’ll find 5 unique ground beef and sweet potato recipes ranging from casseroles to skillet meals, each perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why Cook with Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes?
Before jumping into the recipes, let’s quickly cover why this combo works so well:
- Balanced nutrition: Ground beef provides high-quality protein and iron, while sweet potatoes offer vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Budget-friendly: Both are affordable ingredients that stretch into multiple meals.
- Versatile flavors: Sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness balances the savory richness of ground beef.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy the hearty yet slightly sweet flavor combinations.
Now let’s dive into the recipes!
1. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This one-pan meal is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly tender.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables soften.
- Add beef back to the skillet and season with paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Why you’ll love it: A 30-minute dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Casserole
If you love comfort food, this baked dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic, then season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a small pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk to create a creamy sauce.
- Layer sweet potato slices in a greased baking dish.
- Spread ground beef mixture on top, then pour over the sauce.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why you’ll love it: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this casserole is the ultimate comfort meal.
3. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili
A hearty twist on traditional chili, with sweet potatoes adding richness and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium heat. Remove excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream.
Why you’ll love it: This chili is hearty, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting—perfect for cold nights.
4. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers
A colorful, healthy dish that’s also great for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced and roasted
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, oregano, and paprika.
- Mix beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and rice (if using).
- Stuff mixture into bell peppers, top with mozzarella cheese.
- Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Why you’ll love it: Nutritious, colorful, and customizable, these stuffed peppers are a family favorite.
5. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
A sweet and savory spin on the classic shepherd’s pie.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, peas, and carrots.
- Mash boiled sweet potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Spread the beef mixture into a baking dish, then top with mashed sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is slightly golden.
Why you’ll love it: A healthier twist on a comfort classic with a naturally sweet and creamy topping.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes
- Batch prep: Roast or dice sweet potatoes ahead of time for faster weeknight meals.
- Lean beef: Use lean ground beef (85–90%) to reduce excess grease.
- Spice it up: Both ingredients pair well with smoky spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
- Meal prep friendly: Most of these dishes reheat well and taste even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
These 5 ground beef and sweet potato recipes prove just how versatile and delicious this combo can be. From comforting casseroles to hearty chili and quick skillet meals, you’ll never run out of dinner ideas. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, these recipes are nutritious, filling, and easy to make.
Try one tonight, and you’ll see why ground beef and sweet potatoes are a match made in dinner heaven.