Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and zesty spices, it’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly and easily.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Remove the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more if there is excess liquid.
- Step 6: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover briefly until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for extra brightness.
- Use frozen sweet potato cubes if fresh are not available—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a vegetarian version that still offers plenty of protein and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. Cook the skillet as directed, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat on the stove or microwave when ready to eat. It’s a great option for meal prep.
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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a vibrant, hearty one-pan meal packed with bold flavors. Featuring tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, it’s a wholesome and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh cilantro and melted cheddar cheese, it delivers a delicious blend of smoky, spicy, and savory notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, building a flavorful base.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Mix in the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes if there is excess liquid, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the consistency to thicken slightly.
- Melt Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover briefly until the cheese melts, about 1 minute, then uncover.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the skillet, and serve immediately for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust the chili powder and diced green chilies for desired spice level.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra black beans or a plant-based ground substitute.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cheddar cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: southwest skillet, ground beef recipe, sweet potato dinner, easy weeknight meal, black beans, one-pan meal, southwestern cuisine
