Easy 45g Protein Meal Under $5! (One Pan)

Easy 45g Protein Meal Under $5! (One Pan) is a easy American (Tex-Mex) recipe that serves 2. 600 calories per serving. Recipe by doosifit on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $5.38 total, $2.69 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (extra lean (95% lean))
  • 1 large Sweet Potato (peeled and cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Chipotle Adobo Sauce (from canned chipotle peppers in adobo)
  • 1 cup Roasted Tomatoes (canned diced roasted tomatoes)
  • 0.25 cup Green Chilies (canned diced green chilies)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste (or minced garlic)
  • 0.25 cup Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes

    Peel the sweet potato, cut into 1‑inch cubes, place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Brown Ground Beef

    Heat the skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink and begins to brown, about 6‑8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

  3. Season Beef

    Sprinkle the remaining cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the browned beef. Stir, then add the chipotle adobo sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, mixing well.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cook Sweet Potatoes

    Push the seasoned beef to one side of the skillet or transfer to a plate. Add the coated sweet‑potato cubes to the same skillet and toast, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Vegetables and Simmer

    Add the roasted tomatoes, green chilies, garlic paste, and water to the skillet. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 95°C

  6. Combine and Finish

    Return the beef to the skillet if it was set aside, stir everything together, and heat through for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
600
Protein
45g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
20g
Fiber
6g

Dietary info: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb

Allergens: Beef

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Easy 45g Protein Meal Under $5! (One Pan)

Recipe by doosifit

A high‑protein, budget‑friendly one‑pan meal featuring lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, and smoky chipotle adobo sauce. Each serving delivers over 45 g of protein for under $5.

EasyAmerican (Tex-Mex)Serves 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.38
Total cost
$2.69
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown ground beef until fully cooked and slightly caramelized
  • Toast sweet potato cubes until lightly browned
  • Simmer with tomatoes and chilies until sweet potatoes are tender

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety
  • Wash hands, cutting board, and knives thoroughly after handling raw meat

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of spicy beef and sweet potato in Tex-Mex cuisine?

A

Spicy beef and sweet potato blends classic Tex‑Mex flavors—ground beef, chipotle, and chilies—with the sweet, earthy taste of sweet potatoes, a staple introduced by early settlers in the American Southwest. The dish reflects the region’s fusion of Mexican spice traditions and American comfort food, often served as a hearty family dinner.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of spicy beef and sweet potato in the American Southwest?

A

In New Mexico the dish may feature green chile sauce and roasted corn, while in Texas cooks often add barbecue seasoning or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor. Some versions swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or add black beans for extra protein.

cultural
Q

How is spicy beef and sweet potato traditionally served in Tex-Mex meals?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the pan, accompanied by warm flour tortillas, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a wedge of lime. Some families also pair it with Mexican rice or a simple side salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is spicy beef and sweet potato associated with in Tex-Mex culture?

A

The dish is popular for casual weeknight meals, potlucks, and game‑day gatherings because it can be made in one pan and feeds a crowd. It’s also a common choice for outdoor barbecues where the smoky chipotle flavor complements grilled foods.

cultural
Q

How does spicy beef and sweet potato fit into the broader Tex-Mex cuisine tradition?

A

Tex‑Mex cuisine emphasizes bold spices, quick stovetop cooking, and the use of affordable proteins like ground beef. This recipe embodies those principles while adding a nutritious vegetable component, making it a balanced representation of the tradition.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for spicy beef and sweet potato versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include lean ground beef, chipotle peppers in adobo, canned roasted tomatoes, and canned green chilies. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey or chicken for the beef, fresh roasted tomatoes, fresh jalapeños instead of canned chilies, and smoked paprika in place of chipotle for milder heat.

cultural
Q

What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with spicy beef and sweet potato?

A

Serve alongside Mexican street‑style corn (elote), a simple cilantro‑lime rice, black bean salad, or a fresh pico de gallo. A side of guacamole and warm tortillas also complements the flavors beautifully.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spicy beef and sweet potato?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than browns the sweet potatoes, and overcooking the ground beef, which makes it dry. Also, adding too much water can dilute the chipotle flavor; keep the liquid just enough to create a light sauce.

technical
Q

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done cooking in this recipe?

A

The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork‑tender but still hold their shape, and the edges are lightly caramelized. A quick taste test should reveal a soft interior without any raw, starchy bite.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel doosifit specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel doosifit focuses on affordable, high‑protein meal‑prep recipes that require minimal equipment. The creator emphasizes quick, one‑pan dishes that are easy for busy home cooks and often highlights cost‑effective ingredient swaps.

channel

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