Sheet Pan Spiced Ground Beef with Sweet Potatoes

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

A vibrant one-pan dinner featuring savory ground beef with warming spices and caramelized sweet potatoes, ready in 25 minutes. This american-inspired meal prep ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss 12 oz sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan, then roast for 15 minutes until edges are golden.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until no longer pink. Pour in 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup chicken broth; simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, then transfer the beef mixture to the sheet pan with roasted sweet potatoes. Toss to coat evenly and bake for 5 more minutes until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Spiced Ground Beef with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Sheet Pan Spiced Ground Beef with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Sheet Pan Spiced Ground Beef with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Sheet Pan Spiced Ground Beef with Sweet Potatoes 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 Sheet Pan Spiced Ground Beef with Sweet Potatoes?

American meal prep like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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