2 min read

Whole30 Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Overhead shot of Whole30 Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet plated appetizingly in a wooden board
Whole30Heavy MealGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time25 min
Total Time35 min
Servings4

One pan, thirty-five minutes, dinner that actually fills you up. Ground beef browns down with cubed sweet potato and bell pepper until everything catches a little color at the edges, seasoned with nothing more complicated than cumin and smoked paprika. No rice, no beans, no cheese melted over the top, just a hearty skillet that stands on its own.

Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced small
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges to serve

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender and lightly browned.
  2. Push sweet potato to the side. Add remaining olive oil and ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, about 6 minutes.
  3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Combine everything in the pan and cook 2 more minutes.
  5. Serve topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 390
Total fat 22g
Total carbohydrates 21g
Dietary fiber 4g
Protein 27g
Sodium 320mg

Why This Is Good for Your Gut

Sweet potato replaces the rice or beans a skillet like this would usually lean on, providing fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrate without grains or legumes. Ground beef delivers protein and zinc, both important for gut lining repair, and browning it alongside the vegetables rather than in a heavy sauce keeps the whole dish free of added sugar or dairy. Every spice used here is a whole, unprocessed seasoning.

Substantial enough that you won't be back in the kitchen an hour later. For another simple Whole30 skillet, try our Herb-Crusted Whole30 Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Squash.

This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

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