Beef and Sweet Potato Bowl

This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl is a delightful and wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with savory ground beef and fresh spinach, creating a bowl that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is not only tasty but also quick to prepare. It brings together a balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying dish that you can enjoy any night of the week. Plus, it’s colorful and healthy, featuring hearty vegetables and lean protein.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for finishing

How to make it

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet.
  2. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.
  3. Spread the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once, until they’re tender and caramelized.
  4. In a skillet, cook the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until it becomes soft.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute more.
  6. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up, and cook until it’s fully browned.
  7. Stir in the tomato paste and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute.
  8. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the apple cider vinegar.
  9. Fold in the baby spinach until it wilts.
  10. Assemble your bowls by layering the roasted sweet potatoes and the beef mixture on top.
  11. Serve warm or store for later.

How to serve it

Serve your Sweet Potato Beef Bowl warm, making sure to distribute the sweet potatoes and beef evenly in each bowl. Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil on top for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or some crusty bread.

How to store it

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bowl will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again.

Helpful tips

  • Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar; it adds a bright flavor that balances the dish.
  • If your beef is too lean, consider adding a small amount of broth for moisture.

Optional variations

  • Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more color and nutrients.
  • Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace beef with black beans or lentils.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash, but keep in mind that the cooking times might vary.

How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add chili powder or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and the beef mixture in advance, then combine them when you’re ready to serve.

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Sweet Potato Beef Bowl

This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl combines roasted sweet potatoes with savory ground beef and fresh spinach for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon for roasting, 1 tablespoon for finishing
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon for roasting, 1/2 teaspoon for beef mixture
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided 1/4 teaspoon for roasting, 1/4 teaspoon for beef mixture
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Beef Mixture
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup baby spinach

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet.
  2. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.
Roasting Sweet Potatoes
  1. Spread the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once, until they’re tender and caramelized.
Cooking Beef
  1. In a skillet, cook the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until it becomes soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute more.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up, and cook until it’s fully browned.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute.
  5. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the apple cider vinegar.
  6. Fold in the baby spinach until it wilts.
Assembly
  1. Assemble your bowls by layering the roasted sweet potatoes and the beef mixture on top.
  2. Serve warm or store for later.

Notes

Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut evenly for uniform cooking. Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar; it adds a bright flavor that balances the dish. If your beef is too lean, consider adding a small amount of broth for moisture.