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High Protein Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet - A Simple, Satisfying One-Pan Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground pork
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 lime (zest and juice)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: baby spinach, canned black beans (rinsed), corn, or a fried egg

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into even, 1/2-inch cubes. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. This helps everything cook evenly and at the same pace.
  2. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When it shimmers, add the ground pork. Break it up with a spatula and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Brown the pork: Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and no longer pink. Let it get some color—that browning adds flavor. Transfer the pork to a plate, leaving any fat in the pan.
  4. Cook the sweet potatoes: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan along with the sweet potatoes and onion. Season with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly.
  5. Sauté and steam: Cook the sweet potato mixture for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pan looks dry or the potatoes are browning too fast, splash in 2–3 tablespoons of water and cover for 2 minutes to steam and soften.
  6. Add peppers and garlic: Stir in the bell pepper and garlic. Cook for 3–4 more minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant.
  7. Combine and finish: Return the browned pork to the skillet. Toss to combine and warm through for 2–3 minutes. Zest the lime over the skillet, then squeeze in half the juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice as needed.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve as is, or top with a fried egg for extra protein and richness.