Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pan meal featuring ground beef and sweet potatoes seasoned with warm cumin and smoked paprika for a satisfying Whole30 dinner. This Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs ground beef (85% lean), sweet potatoes, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Push the beef mixture to one side of the skillet and add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 peeled diced sweet potatoes. Season sweet potatoes with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Mix the beef and sweet potatoes together, then season the entire skillet with 1/2 tsp sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (85% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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