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.
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
Optional Add-ons and Garnish
- 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 and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
