Hello, wonderful food enthusiasts! Chef Andrew here, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on a dish that’s not only incredibly delicious and satisfying but also packed with wholesome goodness. Get ready to discover The #1 Secret to a Perfect Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet!
Table of Contents
Forget complicated meals that leave your kitchen in chaos. This one-pan wonder is your new best friend for busy weeknights, healthy meal prepping, or any time you crave a flavor-packed, nutrient-dense meal. We’re talking savory ground beef, sweet, tender sweet potatoes, perfectly cooked carrots, and those delightfully roasty Brussels sprouts, all brought together with a secret blend of spices that will make your taste buds sing.
So, what is this #1 secret I keep mentioning? It’s not just one thing, but a Flavor-Boosting Trifecta:
- Strategic Spice Layering: It’s about when and how you add your spices to both the beef and the veggies to build maximum depth.
- Optimal Veggie Sear: Getting a beautiful, slight caramelization on those sweet potatoes and carrots before simmering.
- The Brussels Sprouts Finish: Adding them at the right time to ensure they’re tender-crisp, not mushy.
Stick with me, and I’ll show you how these simple principles transform a good skillet meal into an absolutely perfect one!
The #1 Secret to a Perfect Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
- 12-inch cast iron skillet
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
For the Veggies & Skillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 cups carrots peeled and diced
- 2 cups sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt for veggies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder for veggies
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger key flavor booster
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder for veggies
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper use ½ tsp for more heat
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and diced
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, then stir in spices (chili powder, basil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic). Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl.
- Heat oil in the same skillet. Add carrots and sweet potatoes. Season with salt, chili powder, ginger, onion powder, and red pepper. Sauté 5-10 minutes until lightly caramelized.
- Return beef to skillet. Add beef stock and Brussels sprouts. Cover and simmer 5-8 minutes until sprouts are tender-crisp and sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Why This Skillet Meal Will Become Your Go-To
If “perfect” sounds good, here’s more to love about this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory, sweet, earthy, and perfectly spiced is just incredible.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with protein from the beef and vitamins and fiber from the colorful veggies.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup is always a bonus!
- Versatile & Customizable: Great as is, or you can tweak it to your liking (though I think this version is pretty darn perfect!).
- Weeknight Winner: Quick enough for a weekday, but special enough for guests.
This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about creating a harmonious and satisfying meal experience.
Gathering Your Arsenal: Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Ingredients for Perfection
For this Perfect Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet, you’ll need:
For the Beef:
- ▢ 1 pound lean ground beef (Can use ground turkey if preferred)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ▢ 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ▢ ¾ teaspoon salt
- ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
For the Veggies & Skillet:
- ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ▢ 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
- ▢ 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (About 1 large or 2 medium. Leave unpeeled if you prefer!)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon salt (for veggies)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder (for veggies)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground ginger (a key part of our secret flavor profile!)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder (for veggies)
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (Use ½ tsp for more heat if you like!)
- ▢ 1 cup beef stock or broth
- ▢ 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and diced (or halved/quartered if small)
Chef Andrew’s Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) works well. If using ground turkey, you might want to add a touch more oil when cooking the veggies as turkey is typically leaner.
- Sweet Potatoes: Dicing them into ½ to ¾-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly.
- Brussels Sprouts: Dicing them helps them cook faster and integrate better into the skillet. If they are very small, halving or quartering is fine.
- Ground Ginger: Don’t skip this! It adds a lovely warmth and unique aromatic note that complements the sweet potatoes and spices beautifully. This is a subtle but important part of our “#1 Secret” flavor profile!
Essential Tools for Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato
- Large Skillet (12-inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal)
- Spatula
- Cutting Board & Knife
Step-by-Step to Your Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato
Let’s bring this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet to life!
Step 1: Brown & Season the Beef (Flavor-Boosting Trifecta – Part 1)
- Action: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef.
- Crumble & Brown: Use a spatula to break up the meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
- Drain (if needed): If your beef has released a lot of fat, carefully drain off the excess.
- Spice It Up: Stir in 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp dried basil, ¾ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden. This blooms the spices and infuses the beef with flavor.
- Set Aside: Remove the seasoned beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Sauté the Root Veggies (Flavor-Boosting Trifecta – Part 2)
- Heat Oil: Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the now-empty skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add Veggies & Season: Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cups diced carrots and 2 cups diced sweet potatoes. Immediately season them with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for Browning: Stir well to coat the veggies in oil and spices. Sauté for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the veggies to get some nice browned edges – this caramelization adds a ton of flavor! Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for good browning.
Step 3: Combine, Simmer & Add Sprouts (Flavor-Boosting Trifecta – Part 3)
- Return Beef: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the cooked ground beef back to the pan with the carrots and sweet potatoes.
- Add Stock & Brussels Sprouts: Pour in the 1 cup of beef stock and add the 1 pound of diced Brussels sprouts. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover & Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp to your liking and the sweet potatoes are fully tender. Avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts; they should still have a bit of bite and vibrant color.
- Final Check: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (a pinch more salt or pepper perhaps).
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy, Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Your Perfect Skillet!
- Serve Hot: Ladle this hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet into bowls.
- Garnish (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions can add a nice touch of color.
Unpacking Chef Andrew’s “#1 Secret” – The Flavor-Boosting Trifecta
- Strategic Spice Layering: We didn’t just dump all the spices in at once. We seasoned the beef separately, allowing those flavors to penetrate the meat. Then, we seasoned the root veggies as they hit the hot oil, which helps the spices “bloom” and coat them beautifully. The ground ginger with the sweet potatoes is a particularly lovely touch.
- Optimal Veggie Sear: Taking the time to get some browning on the sweet potatoes and carrots before adding liquid is crucial. This Maillard reaction creates complex, savory-sweet notes that you just can’t get from simply simmering.
- The Brussels Sprouts Finish: Adding the Brussels sprouts towards the end with the beef stock ensures they steam and simmer to tender-crisp perfection without becoming bitter or mushy. This preserves their texture and bright green color.
These might seem like small details, but they collectively make a huge difference in the final taste and texture of your Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- As Is: This skillet is a complete meal on its own!
- With Grains: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for an even heartier meal.
- Add a Topping: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a creamy, tangy element.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Zucchini Swap: If you were really craving that zucchini, you could substitute it for the Brussels sprouts. Add diced zucchini in the last 5 minutes of simmering, as it cooks quickly.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
Irresistible Monterey Chicken Spaghetti – The Best 30-Minute Dinner!
Juicy Huli Huli Chicken (Better Than Takeout!) – Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe
Or go to my Pinterest.
Storage & Reheating, Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato
- Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition Notes (Approximate) of Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato
As per your provided details (for 4 servings):
- Calories: 367kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 31g
Your Skillet Questions about Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Answered! (FAQ)
How to cook ground beef on a skillet?
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it into crumbles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned all over and no pink remains (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary. Then, add your seasonings!
What meat goes well with sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are wonderfully versatile! They pair beautifully with:
Pork: (Sausage, pork loin, pulled pork)
Chicken & Turkey: (Roasted, grilled, or ground)
Beef: (Like our ground beef skillet, or even steak)
Lamb
Their natural sweetness complements savory and spiced meats.
How to cook sweet potatoes and meat together?
A skillet like this recipe is a great way! Generally, you’ll want to:
Brown your meat and set it aside.
Start cooking the sweet potatoes (which usually take longer) with other veggies, getting some color on them.
Return the meat to the pan, add liquid if needed (like broth), and simmer until everything is cooked through and flavors have melded.
How to cook a sweet potato?
There are many ways!
Roasting: Toss diced or wedged sweet potatoes with oil and spices, roast at 400-425°F (200-220°C) until tender and caramelized.
Baking Whole: Pierce with a fork, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until soft.
Boiling/Steaming: Peel and dice, then boil or steam until tender (for mashing or adding to dishes).
Sautéing/Pan-Frying: As we did in this skillet!
How do you know when ground beef is cooked?
Ground beef is cooked when it’s no longer pink in the middle and has browned all over. For safety, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
How do you keep ground beef from sticking to the pan?
Hot Pan: Ensure your pan is adequately preheated before adding the beef.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature.
Sufficient Fat: If using very lean beef, you might need a tiny bit of oil. Most ground beef has enough fat to prevent sticking once it starts rendering.
Stir Occasionally, Not Constantly: Let it form a bit of a crust before stirring, especially at the beginning.
Ready to Enjoy Your Perfect Skillet Meal?
And there you have it – The #1 Secret to a Perfect Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Skillet! This dish is proof that healthy, flavorful, and easy can all exist on one plate (or in one pan!).
With our Flavor-Boosting Trifecta – strategic spicing, a good veggie sear, and perfect Brussels sprout timing – you’re equipped to create a meal that’s truly satisfying and delicious. I hope this becomes a new favorite in your rotation.
Get cooking, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Happy Cooking!