Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground beef and sweet potatoes cooked with aromatic spices in one skillet for a simple, filling Whole30-compliant dinner. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, paleo) ready in about 35 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 2 medium (about 1 lb), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potato
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula; cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 4: Mix in 2 medium diced sweet potatoes (1 lb) along with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Paleo 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 Paleo 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 85% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Paleo 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 Paleo 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 Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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