Recipes with Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes: 7 Easy Dinners

Looking for tasty, budget-friendly dinner ideas that your whole family will love? Recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes are the perfect solution! These two ingredients create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Ground beef brings rich protein and flavor, while sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, beautiful color, and loads of vitamins. Together, they make dinners that satisfy everyone at your table.

What makes these recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes so special is how easy they are to prepare. Even on your busiest weeknights, you can whip up something hearty and homemade in no time. Whether you’re craving something spicy, comforting, or globally inspired, there’s a ground beef and sweet potato recipe that fits the bill.

Unlike our popular chicken and rice casseroles, these ground beef and sweet potato combinations offer a delightful twist with their naturally sweet and savory contrast. Ready to transform your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor? Let’s dive into these seven easy recipes that will have your family asking for seconds!

Why Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Make a Perfect Pairing

Have you ever wondered why some food combinations just work so perfectly together? Ground beef and sweet potatoes are definitely on that list! This dynamic duo creates meals that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition.

Ground beef brings protein and iron to your plate, while sweet potatoes deliver vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Together, they give you a well-rounded meal that keeps you energized and satisfied. The rich, savory taste of beef perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating flavors that even picky eaters enjoy.

Another great thing about recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes is how budget-friendly they are. Ground beef is often on sale, and sweet potatoes are usually inexpensive year-round. One pound of ground beef and a few sweet potatoes can easily feed a family of four, making these recipes perfect for those watching their grocery budget.

Plus, you can find these ingredients in any grocery store, any time of year. No hunting for special items or waiting for certain seasons – these recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes can become regular stars in your meal planning rotation!

7 Easy Dinner Recipes with Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes

1. Southwestern Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet

Quick Overview

This one-pan wonder brings together spicy ground beef, chunks of sweet potato, black beans, and corn in a fiesta of flavors! The combination creates a deliciously balanced meal with a kick of Southwestern spices. From start to finish, you can have this on your table in just 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients for Southwestern Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle the cheese on top and cover until melted, about 2 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

What to Serve Southwestern Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet With

This hearty skillet meal is perfect with simple sides like avocado slices, sour cream, or a fresh green salad. For extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side or wrapped in warm flour tortillas.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• For extra flavor, add a diced bell pepper along with the onion.
• If you like heat, include a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make sure to cut your sweet potatoes into equal-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking.
• For a leaner option, use 93% lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey.

2. Hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

Quick Overview

This cozy chili combines the richness of ground beef with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes for a bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings. The sweet potatoes add a unique twist to traditional chili, creating amazing flavor and texture. This hearty meal takes about 45 minutes to prepare but tastes even better the next day!

Key Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

What to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili With

This chili is delicious with cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips. For a complete meal, serve with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• For deeper flavor, use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes.
• The touch of cinnamon enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes – don’t skip it!
• For thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potato pieces against the side of the pot near the end of cooking.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

3. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Seasoned Ground Beef

Quick Overview

These stuffed sweet potatoes combine fluffy baked sweet potatoes with savory seasoned ground beef for a simple yet impressive dinner. The contrast between the sweet potato and the flavorful meat filling creates an irresistible combination. This meal takes about 1 hour total, but most of that is hands-off baking time.

Key Ingredients for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Seasoned Ground Beef

• 4 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Optional: sour cream, avocado slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place on a baking sheet.
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, until soft when pierced with a fork.
3. While potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
7. When sweet potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork.
8. Fill each sweet potato with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
9. Top with shredded cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional toppings before serving.

What to Serve Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Seasoned Ground Beef With

These stuffed sweet potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for added vegetables.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• For quicker cooking, microwave the sweet potatoes for 5-8 minutes before finishing in the oven for crispy skin.
• Try different seasoning combinations like Italian, Greek, or Mexican spice blends for variety.
• Make extra beef mixture and freeze it for an even quicker meal next time.
• For extra nutrition, mix some chopped spinach into the beef during the last minute of cooking.

4. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Quick Overview

This comforting twist on traditional shepherd’s pie uses sweet potato mash instead of regular potatoes for a colorful, flavorful topping. The sweet and savory combination creates a perfect balance, while the hearty beef filling makes this a satisfying meal. This dish takes about an hour to prepare but is worth every minute.

Key Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. While sweet potatoes cook, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the beef. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
8. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
9. Stir in frozen peas and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Drain the sweet potatoes and return to pot. Add butter, milk, and nutmeg. Mash until smooth.
11. Spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the beef mixture.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is slightly golden and filling is bubbling.
13. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

What to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie With

This shepherd’s pie is a complete meal on its own, but pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced dinner.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• For extra richness, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sweet potato mash.
• Create texture contrast by running a fork across the top of the sweet potato before baking for crispy ridges.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish before topping with sweet potato.
• Let the pie rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

5. Asian-Inspired Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Stir-Fry

Quick Overview

This quick stir-fry brings together savory ground beef and sweet potatoes with Asian flavors for an exciting weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements creates a balanced dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. The colorful presentation makes it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Key Ingredients for Asian-Inspired Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Stir-Fry

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sweet potato cubes and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
3. Add 2 tablespoons water, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until sweet potatoes are just tender. Remove to a plate.
4. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Add onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
6. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
8. Return sweet potatoes to the pan. Pour sauce over everything and toss to coat.
9. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
10. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional cilantro before serving.

What to Serve Asian-Inspired Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Stir-Fry With

This stir-fry is delicious served over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. For extra vegetables, serve with a side of steamed broccoli or add more veggies directly to the stir-fry.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Cut sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes (about 1/2 inch) so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes during the initial steaming – they should be just tender as they’ll cook more when added back to the pan.
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of hoisin or oyster sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Ground chicken or turkey works well as a substitute for beef in this recipe.

6. Mediterranean Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls

Quick Overview

These vibrant Mediterranean bowls combine spiced ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki for a colorful, nutritious meal. The combination of warm spices, sweet potatoes, and cool, crisp toppings creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This meal takes about 40 minutes to prepare but most of that time is hands-off roasting.

Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 red onion, half diced, half sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Store-bought or homemade tzatziki sauce
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a baking sheet, toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.#
4. Add the diced half of the red onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
8. To assemble bowls: Place roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef in each bowl.
9. Add fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
10. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
11. Serve with optional lemon wedges.

What to Serve Mediterranean Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls With

These bowls are a complete meal on their own, but can be served with warm pita bread or a side of tabbouleh salad for an even more authentic Mediterranean experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• For extra flavor, toss the sweet potatoes with 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika before roasting.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting sweet potatoes – use two sheets if necessary for crispy results.
• The ground beef mixture can be made ahead and reheated when ready to assemble bowls.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked lentils for the ground beef.

7. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

Quick Overview

This hearty breakfast-for-dinner option combines seasoned ground beef with sweet potatoes and eggs for a satisfying one-pan meal. The sweet potatoes get deliciously crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. This versatile dish comes together in just 30 minutes and works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Key Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Optional: hot sauce for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
3. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softening.
4. Push vegetables to one side of the pan and add ground beef to the other side.
5. Cook beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
6. Add garlic, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Create 4 wells in the hash mixture and crack an egg into each well.
9. Cover the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until eggs are set to your liking.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

What to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash With

This hash is a complete meal on its own, especially with the added eggs. For a heartier dinner, serve with toasted crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Cut sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) for faster, more even cooking.
• For extra crispy sweet potatoes, don’t stir too frequently during the initial cooking time.
• If you prefer your eggs more well-done, you can cover the skillet for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• This recipe is great for using up leftover cooked sweet potatoes – just add them with the beef to warm through.

Meal Prep Tips for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipes

Making recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes even easier starts with smart meal prep! Here are some time-saving tips to help you get dinner on the table faster:

Brown several pounds of ground beef at once with just salt and pepper. After cooling, divide into meal-sized portions and refrigerate (use within 3 days) or freeze (up to 3 months). This gives you a head start on any recipe calling for ground beef.

Sweet potatoes can also be prepped ahead. Peel and chop them into cubes, then store in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, blanch the cubes for 3 minutes, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags.

You can even fully assemble some dishes like the Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time. Prepare as directed but don’t bake – instead, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from the refrigerator (add 5-10 minutes to baking time) or thaw overnight before baking if frozen.

For easy leftovers, store cooked recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutritional Benefits of Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Meals

Recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious – they’re nutritional powerhouses too! This dynamic duo creates balanced meals your body will thank you for.

Ground beef provides high-quality protein essential for building and repairing tissues. Depending on the type you choose, one serving offers 20-25 grams of protein. It’s also rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins – nutrients that support energy production and immune function.

Sweet potatoes bring their own impressive nutrition profile. They’re packed with vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, supporting healthy vision and immune function. One medium sweet potato provides over 400% of your daily vitamin A needs! They’re also excellent sources of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Together, ground beef and sweet potatoes create meals with balanced macronutrients – protein from the beef, complex carbs from the sweet potatoes, and healthy fats when you include ingredients like olive oil or avocado. This balance helps keep you feeling full and satisfied while providing steady energy.

For those watching their intake, you can easily adjust these recipes to fit your needs. Choose leaner ground beef (93% lean) to reduce fat content, or control portions to manage calories while still enjoying these nutritious and delicious combinations.

Conclusion

We’ve explored seven amazing recipes with ground beef and sweet potatoes that prove how versatile and delicious this combination can be! From the comforting Shepherd’s Pie to the quick and flavorful Asian Stir-Fry, these recipes offer something for every taste and occasion.

What makes these recipes so special is how they transform simple, affordable ingredients into meals that feel special enough for company but easy enough for weeknights. The natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly balances the rich flavor of the beef, creating dishes that the whole family will enjoy.

Don’t be afraid to make these recipes your own by adjusting seasonings or swapping in vegetables you have on hand. The beauty of cooking with ground beef and sweet potatoes is how adaptable they are to different flavor profiles and cooking methods.

We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your family’s favorite! Try one this week and let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this post with friends who are looking for easy, nutritious dinner ideas. Happy cooking!