Heat the Oil: Setting the Stage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (at least 12 inches in diameter) over medium-high heat. A large skillet is essential to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure that the ingredients cook evenly. If the pan is too crowded, the ingredients will steam instead of browning, which will affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Pro Tip: Make sure the oil is hot and shimmering before adding the onions. This will help them to caramelize properly.

Sauté the Onion: Building the Flavor Base: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooking the onion until translucent brings out its sweetness and mellows its flavor. Pro Tip: If you like a deeper, sweeter flavor, you can cook the onions a bit longer, until they are lightly caramelized. Caramelized onions add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.

Add the Garlic: Aromatic Enhancement: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so it’s important to add it after the onions have cooked a bit and to cook it only briefly until fragrant. Burnt garlic will taste bitter. Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh garlic will provide a much more robust and satisfying flavor.

Brown the Beef: Adding Depth of Flavor: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the dish. Pro Tip: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet after the beef is browned. This will help to keep the meal healthier and prevent the skillet from becoming too greasy.

Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Efficient Preparation: While the beef is cooking, peel and cube the sweet potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure that the sweet potatoes cook evenly and at the same rate. Pro Tip: If you are short on time, you can buy pre-cubed sweet potatoes. This is a great time-saving hack!

Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasoning: Flavor Infusion: Once the beef is browned and drained, add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the sweet potatoes are coated with the seasoning. Pro Tip: Adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste. You can also add other spices at this stage, such as oregano, coriander, or cayenne pepper.

Simmer and Soften: The Cooking Process: If the sweet potatoes are not softening or the skillet seems dry, add up to 1 cup of beef broth or water. This will help to create a bit of steam and soften the sweet potatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Pro Tip: Check the sweet potatoes periodically and add more broth or water if needed to prevent them from sticking to the skillet.

Add Optional Ingredients: Customization Options: If using bell peppers or black beans, add them to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will allow them to soften slightly without becoming mushy. Pro Tip: You can also add other vegetables at this stage, such as corn, peas, or zucchini. Be creative and use what you have on hand!

Evaporate Excess Moisture: Flavor Concentration: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated (if used), remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let any excess moisture evaporate. This will help to concentrate the flavors and create a slightly thicker sauce. Pro Tip: If you are not using any broth or water, you can skip this step. You want the skillet to be saucy but not watery.

Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet, cover, and let it melt. The residual heat from the skillet will be enough to melt the cheese. Pro Tip: You can use other cheeses as well, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative.

Garnish and Serve: The Final Touch: Garnish the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. This adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the finished dish and enhances the overall presentation. Pro Tip: Serve the Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet hot and enjoy! You can serve it as is, or you can add it to tortillas for tacos or burritos, or serve it over rice or quinoa.