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
Scale
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
