Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Packed with protein from ground beef, fiber-rich black beans, and nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, it offers a delicious balance of spicy southwestern flavors with cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this skillet meal is comforting, colorful, and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
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
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
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 reduce fat content.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute spices and ingredients.
- Simmer with Lid: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet tightly with a lid. 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 continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid so the mixture thickens slightly, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet briefly for about 1 minute until the cheese melts.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- To keep this dish dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: southwest skillet, ground beef recipe, sweet potato skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner, southwestern cuisine
