Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

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

A hearty, warming stew with tender beef and sweet potatoes that supports sustained energy levels. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, sweet potatoes, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5 minutes until browned, then drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Stir in cumin, carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, beef broth, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Stew?

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 from drying out.

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

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 Stew 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.

What goes well with Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew?

American whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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