Introduction

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef with sweet potatoes and zesty spices, it’s both comforting and packed with nutrition. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

A white bowl filled with a layered dish showing a bottom layer of cooked ground beef mixed with diced tomatoes, topped with bright orange cubes of cooked sweet potatoes, and finished with a sprinkle of melted shredded cheese and chopped green onions. The colors include brown from the meat, vibrant orange from the sweet potatoes, red from the tomatoes, yellow-white from the cheese, and green from the onions. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 and green chilies (with 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 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

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

Add a diced bell pepper when cooking the onions for extra color and sweetness.

Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.

For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with extra black beans or cooked lentils.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skillet up to the point before adding cheese and cilantro, then refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly before adding cheese and garnish.