Prepare the sweet potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes – listen for that satisfying sizzle as they hit the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until they're golden brown on the edges and just tender when pierced with a fork. The kitchen will smell nutty and sweet.

Brown the beef: Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the pan, add the remaining oil, and tip in the minced beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon – you'll hear it hiss and pop as the moisture evaporates. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is deeply browned, with crispy bits forming at the edges. The aroma shifts from raw to rich and savoury.

Sweat the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pan and stir everything together. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and soft – it will release a sweet, fragrant smell. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Build the sauce: Stir in the tomato puree, smoked paprika, cumin, and chilli flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute – the spices will bloom and release an earthy, warming scent. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to lift any browned bits. The sauce will look deep red and smell incredibly inviting.

Simmer to perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll notice the sauce thickening and reducing, with the sweet potatoes absorbing all those savoury flavours. The texture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still slightly saucy.

Rest and serve: Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley – the bright green against the deep red sauce looks stunning. Serve hot, or let it cool completely for meal prep containers.