Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and zesty spices, it comes together quickly in one pan for easy cleanup.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies (with liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Remove the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more if there is excess liquid.
6. Step 6: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover briefly until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• Add a diced bell pepper for extra crunch and color.
• For a spicier dish, include chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a creamy, spicy twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the sweet potatoes but can be kept refrigerated successfully.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add extra beans and vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How can I tell when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes are tender when a fork pierces through easily without resistance, usually after 12 to 15 minutes of simmering covered.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and hearty Southwest-inspired skillet featuring ground beef, sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices, cooked together in one pan for an easy and satisfying meal ready in about 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Add-ons and Garnish

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. 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 and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant to build flavor.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
4. Simmer and Cook Sweet Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the 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.
5. Reduce Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate, ensuring a thicker, stew-like consistency.
6. Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top if using. Cover briefly and cook about 1 minute until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or extra beans.
• Adjust the chili powder and green chilies quantity to control the spiciness.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The skillet can be reheated on stovetop or microwave.
• Adding cheese is optional but provides a creamy, rich finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Keywords: southwest skillet, ground beef recipe, sweet potato dinner, one-pan meal, quick dinner, black bean skillet