Introduction

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes with seasoned ground beef and black beans, it offers a delicious blend of savory and slightly sweet tastes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s both comforting and nutritious.

The image shows a bowl filled with a colorful dish on a white marbled surface. The bowl is white and holds a layered mix of cooked ground meat with a brown texture, bright orange cubes of roasted sweet potatoes, and some pieces of red tomatoes. On top, melted cheese is sprinkled over the dish, creating a light yellow layer that slightly covers the ingredients below. Small green herbs are scattered over the melted cheese for a touch of color. The bowl is filled generously, showing a hearty mix of ingredients. 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

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño when adding spices.

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Use frozen sweet potato cubes if fresh ones aren’t available—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and veggies for a vegetarian version.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.