Description
This Amazing 30-Minute Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and vibrant spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with a savory chili-seasoned tomato base, garnished with melted cheddar and fresh cilantro for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 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
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook 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. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, releasing its flavor into the dish.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Beans: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything evenly to distribute the spices.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Check for tenderness by piercing the sweet potatoes with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes more, allowing any extra liquid to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover briefly for about 1 minute to let the cheese melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately while hot, enjoying a comforting, nutritious meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder and cumin.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sweet potato skillet, ground beef dinner, one pan meal, quick dinner recipe, black beans, chili powder, weeknight meal
