Description
This Amazing 30-Minute Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner combines hearty ground beef with tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a flavorful blend of spices for a quick and satisfying one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a nutritious dish that balances protein, fiber, and bold Southwestern flavors.
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
Spices & Seasonings
- 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 (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 browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook until the onions are softened, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Stirring helps prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes if there is too much liquid in the skillet. This will help thicken the mixture to a hearty consistency.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top. Cover the skillet briefly for about 1 minute until the cheese melts smoothly into the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- To make the dish spicier, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- This recipe works well as a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy and quick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: sweet potato skillet, ground beef dinner, one-pan meal, quick dinner, southwestern recipe, healthy skillet dinner
