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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lean Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Sweet Potato: butternut squash
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil
- Instead of Chipotle Adobo Sauce: hot sauce
- Instead of Roasted Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Green Chilies: fresh jalapeños, diced
- Instead of Garlic Paste: fresh minced garlic
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use frozen roasted tomatoes for convenience without sacrificing flavor
- Add a pinch of smoked salt for extra depth
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness
Troubleshooting
Sweet potatoes turn mushy
Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the cubes and avoid overcrowding; limit simmer time to just until tender.
Beef becomes dry
Do not overcook the beef; add the chipotle adobo sauce and keep the mixture moist by simmering with tomatoes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and reheat in the microwave or a skillet
- Separate beef from sweet potatoes if you prefer a crisp texture when reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of spicy beef and sweet potato in Tex-Mex cuisine?
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.
What are traditional regional variations of spicy beef and sweet potato in the American Southwest?
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.
How is spicy beef and sweet potato traditionally served in Tex-Mex meals?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is spicy beef and sweet potato associated with in Tex-Mex culture?
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.
How does spicy beef and sweet potato fit into the broader Tex-Mex cuisine tradition?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for spicy beef and sweet potato versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with spicy beef and sweet potato?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spicy beef and sweet potato?
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.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done cooking in this recipe?
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.
What does the YouTube channel doosifit specialize in?
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.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
