Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic before simmering with diced sweet potatoes, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano, this dish offers a delicious southwestern twist. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s comforting and packed with balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Pantry Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the ground 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 it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Sauté onions and garlic: 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, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add sweet potatoes and beans: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies including the liquid. Mix well to combine the ingredients evenly in the skillet.
- Season and simmer: Add chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce 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 and ensure even cooking.
- Reduce excess liquid: Remove the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more if there is any excess liquid remaining, allowing it to evaporate for a thicker consistency.
- Add cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover briefly to let the cheese melt, which should take about 1 minute.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a fresh finishing touch and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- For added spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish can be made gluten free by ensuring canned ingredients do not contain gluten additives.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or diced vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: Southwest skillet, ground beef dinner, sweet potato recipe, one-pan meal, black beans, quick dinner, cheesy skillet, healthy dinner
