The bill is perfect. This meal blends the natural sweetness of tender baked sweet potatoes with savory, well-seasoned ground beef, creating a dish that satisfies your hunger while offering good nutrition. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination that is ideal for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a filling meal without too much fuss.
Why We Love This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe
This recipe stands out because it uses wholesome ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal without heavy processing or added sugars. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, while the ground beef provides a good source of protein to help keep you full longer.
Plus, this dish is easy to prepare and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. The combination of paprika and Italian seasoning gives the beef a warm, savory flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Adding spinach brings in a fresh burst of green and extra nutrients, and the melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy finish.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced dinner that is both tasty and nourishing. It’s a great way to enjoy a one-dish meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
- 6 to 8 sweet potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, wash each sweet potato and poke a few holes in them with a fork or knife. Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil, then arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes so you can handle them safely.
Next, prepare the beef topping. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, chopped red onion, and minced garlic. Stir often as the beef cooks until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Now season the cooked beef mixture with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and water to help create a rich, thick sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the mixture for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to combine. Add the chopped spinach last and stir it in until it just wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes.
To assemble, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff the inside of each potato half. Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture over the potato halves, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Place the topped sweet potatoes back into the warm oven just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble slightly.
Finally, garnish each serving with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright and fresh finish.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
Serving this dish is simple and satisfying. The hearty sweet potato halves topped with beef and cheese make a complete meal on their own, so you don’t need a lot of extras. However, you can easily add a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the plate.
You can serve the sweet potatoes warm right out of the oven, which allows the cheese to stay melted and gooey. If you want to add some crunch, a fresh garden salad or crunchy raw veggies pair nicely.
This dish works well for casual family dinners, meal prep lunches, or even small gatherings because it’s easy to portion and looks appealing on the plate. The cilantro garnish adds a pop of color that makes the dish feel a little special.
If you want to keep things simple, a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce or a dash of lemon juice can add a little extra zing.
Expert Tips for Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
To get the best results with this recipe, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and without any bruises or soft spots to ensure they bake evenly and taste their best. Medium-sized potatoes work best for even cooking.
- When browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps the meat brown properly instead of steaming and turning soggy.
- If you want to add extra veggies, bell peppers or mushrooms go well with the beef mixture and can be sautéed with the onion and garlic.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste; it deepens the flavor and adds richness to the beef topping.
- Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts in the oven. It only takes a few minutes to melt and brown slightly, so don’t leave it too long or it could burn.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mozzarella cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- You can prepare the beef topping ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, reheat the mixture and assemble the sweet potatoes.
How to Store Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef and sweet potato will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
When reheating, use a microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep the cheese from drying out, you might cover the dish with foil when reheating in the oven.
Avoid freezing assembled sweet potatoes as the texture of the potato and cheese can change. Instead, freeze the beef mixture separately if you want to save some for later meals.
Variations of Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to change it up and keep it interesting:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner protein option.
- Add different spices such as cumin or chili powder for a more southwestern flavor.
- Mix in black beans or corn with the beef for extra texture and fiber.
- Use feta or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a different taste.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Try topping the sweet potatoes with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions instead of cilantro.
These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your preferences or dietary needs while keeping the core idea simple and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
What makes this dish healthy?
This recipe combines nutrient-rich sweet potatoes with protein-packed ground beef, along with fresh spinach and spices, giving you a balanced meal full of vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. The sweet potatoes can be baked in advance as well and reheated before serving.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
Sweet potatoes are ready when they are soft inside and can be easily pierced with a fork. Baking them for about 40 minutes at 425 degrees usually works well.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella melts nicely, but you can substitute with cheddar, feta, or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and keeps its flavor, making it perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 pieces sweet potatoes medium-sized
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash each sweet potato and poke a few holes in them with a fork. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until soft.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and unwrap the foil. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, red onion, and garlic. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season beef with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and water; cook for a few minutes. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Slice sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon beef mixture over each half and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
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