Print

Ground Beef Sweet Potato Bowl

Ground Beef Sweet Potato Bowl

This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Bowl is a quick, nourishing, and vibrant meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender roasted sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and fresh veggies, it offers balanced nutrition with protein, healthy carbs, and fiber. Easily customizable and meal prep friendly, it delivers comforting flavors with wholesome ingredients in just under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Base

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Vegetables

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh greens (baby spinach or kale) (optional)

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika, plus a pinch for sweet potatoes
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • Juice of 1 lime (optional)
  • Chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa for garnish and flavor variations

Instructions

  1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until tender and caramelized.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: While sweet potatoes roast, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet with ground beef during the last 5 minutes of cooking to soften while keeping some crunch. If using fresh greens like spinach or kale, toss them in at the end to wilt slightly.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: Place roasted sweet potatoes as the base in serving bowls. Top with the ground beef and vegetable mixture. If desired, squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl and add garnishes like cilantro, green onions, avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and caramelization of sweet potatoes.
  • Use fresh, high-quality spices (cumin, paprika) for the best flavor.
  • Drain excess fat from browned ground beef for a lighter dish unless you prefer it richer.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and appealing presentation.
  • Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños or cayenne to customize heat levels.
  • This dish stores well in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezes well for 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep sweet potatoes moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, sweet potato bowl, meal prep, healthy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free, balanced nutrition, weeknight meal