There are evenings when all you want is a sizzling skillet that goes from stovetop to table in a flash. This Cheesy Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly that kind of cozy, no-fuss dinner. Tender cubes of sweet potato get caramelized and crisp at the edges, juicy ground beef soaks up smoky spices, and a handful of black beans adds heartiness. We finish with melty cheddar, bright tomatoes, and a scatter of scallions for fresh crunch. It’s the kind of weeknight one-pan dinner that makes the kitchen smell amazing and disappears quickly—always a good sign.
Built for busy nights, this ground beef skillet layers sweet, savory, and a little tang. The sweet potatoes bring natural creaminess, while a quick lime-yogurt drizzle ties everything together with a cool, zesty finish. If you’re hunting for a high-protein dinner idea that still feels vibrant and colorful, pin this now so it’s ready for your next crave-worthy skillet meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- One pan wonder: A true one-pan dinner with minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
- Weeknight fast: Ready in about 40 minutes, with straightforward steps and pantry spices.
- High-protein & satisfying: Lean ground beef plus black beans make this a high-protein skillet that keeps you full.
- Naturally gluten-free friendly: No flour required—serve as is or with a green salad.
- Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully for quick lunches and leftover dinners.
- Customizable: Dial the spice up or down, swap cheeses, or add your favorite toppings.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Yogurt-Lime Drizzle: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt + zest and juice of 1/2 lime + pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crisp the sweet potatoes Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on the edges and almost tender, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Brown the beef Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, 4–5 minutes. Spoon off any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize.
- Season & simmer Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir to coat. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Bring it together Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet along with the black beans. Fold gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Melt the cheese Sprinkle cheddar evenly over the skillet. Reduce heat to low and cover for 2–3 minutes until melty and luscious (or set under the broiler for 1 minute, watching closely).
- Finish & serve Whisk the Greek yogurt with lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the skillet and top with diced tomato, scallions, and cilantro. Serve hot straight from the pan.
Variations to Try
- Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet: Swap in lean ground turkey for a lighter, equally delicious option.
- Spicy Chipotle: Add 1–2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo (minced) for smoky heat; finish with avocado.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and add creamy avocado slices; finish with extra lime-yogurt made with dairy-free yogurt.
- Southwest Veg Boost: Stir in corn kernels or chopped zucchini during the final 5 minutes for more color and crunch.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Even dice, even cook: Keep sweet potato cubes about 1/2-inch so they brown without burning.
- Don’t rush the sear: Let the sweet potatoes sit undisturbed for a minute or two at a time for caramelized edges.
- Season in layers: A pinch of salt with the potatoes, then again after adding broth keeps flavors bright.
- Broiler boost: One quick broil gives gorgeous bubbly cheese—watch closely.
- Make-ahead friendly: Cook through step 5, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat, then add cheese and toppings before serving.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: ~1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes—this easily becomes a turkey & sweet potato skillet. Add a teaspoon of olive oil when browning turkey and season generously. - How do I meal prep this?
Divide into containers without fresh toppings. Reheat, then add tomato, scallions, cilantro, and yogurt-lime drizzle just before serving. - Can I skip the beans?
Absolutely. Replace with corn or extra peppers, or leave them out for a lower-carb skillet. - What cheese works best?
Cheddar melts beautifully, but pepper jack, Colby-Jack, or Monterey Jack are great options. - How can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeño with the onions or finish with hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is the kind of savory, colorful comfort that turns a regular night into something special. One pan, quick cleanup, and flavors that hit all the cozy notes. Save this recipe to your dinner board so it’s ready for your next weeknight win!
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Cheesy Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet – Hearty, One-Pan & Weeknight Easy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet pairs caramelized sweet potatoes with savory seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melty cheddar. Finished with a zesty yogurt-lime drizzle, fresh tomatoes, and scallions, it’s a cozy, high-protein one-pan dinner ready in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Yogurt-Lime Drizzle: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt + zest and juice of 1/2 lime + pinch of salt
Instructions
Crisp the sweet potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato cubes and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and almost tender, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Brown the beef
Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, 4–5 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
Sauté the aromatics
Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
Season & simmer
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
Bring it together
Return sweet potatoes to the skillet with black beans. Fold gently to combine and adjust seasoning.
Melt the cheese
Sprinkle cheddar over the skillet. Cover on low 2–3 minutes until melted (or broil 1 minute, watching closely).
Finish & serve
Mix yogurt with lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the skillet and top with diced tomato, scallions, and cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
Dice sweet potatoes evenly for fast, even cooking. Season in layers for the best flavor. For make-ahead, cook through before adding cheese; reheat, then add cheese and toppings just before serving. Swap ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 29g
Keywords: beef and sweet potato skillet, one pan dinner, ground beef recipe, cheesy skillet, healthy weeknight dinner