Sweet Potato Beef Mash-Up

A savory mixture of ground beef and tender sweet potato chunks get wrapped up in a whole-wheat tortilla.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium and zinc; and a good source of iron and choline.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
1/2 cup water - divided use
4 teaspoons taco seasoning mix - divided use
1 large sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup Greek or regular nonfat yogurt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Chopped fresh cilantro
Small whole wheat flour tortillas (6 to 7-inch diameter), warmed (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove drippings. Stir in 1/4 cup water and 2 teaspoons taco seasoning; cook 3 minutes. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
2. Combine sweet potatoes, onion, remaining 1/4 cup water and 2 teaspoons taco seasoning in same skillet. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring once. Remove lid; stir in oil; continue cooking, uncovered, 4 to 6 minutes or until potatoes are tender and begin to brown, stirring frequently. Return beef mixture to skillet; continue to cook 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, combine yogurt and hot sauce, as desired, in small bowl.
4. Evenly divide beef mixture into tortillas, if desired. Garnish with cilantro and serve with yogurt mixture, as desired.

Makes 4 servings.

Test Kitchen Tips:

• Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef.
• Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C).
• Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): 247 calories; 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat; 5 g monounsaturated fat); 76 mg cholesterol; 236 mg sodium; 8 g carbohydrate; 1.0 g fiber; 26 g protein; 6.3 mg niacin; 0.4 mg vitamin B6; 2.3 mcg vitamin B12; 2.8 mg iron; 18.3 mcg selenium; 6.0 mg zinc; 82.3 mg choline.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe using 1 small tortilla): 357 calories; 15 g fat (5 g saturated fat; 5 g monounsaturated fat); 76 mg cholesterol; 576 mg sodium; 25 g carbohydrate; 5.0 g fiber; 29 g protein; 6.3 mg niacin; 0.4 mg vitamin B6; 2.3 mcg vitamin B12; 2.8 mg iron; 18.3 mcg selenium; 6.0 mg zinc; 82.3 mg choline.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of The Beef Checkoff.