Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and black beans, it’s both comforting and packed with protein and fiber. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.

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

• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans or a meat substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To maintain texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the skillet ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove to retain flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 56 reviews

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

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Southwest-inspired skillet dish featuring ground beef, sweet potatoes, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare, combining savory spices with nutritious ingredients for a satisfying dinner that comes together 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
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. 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. 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. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: 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 well to combine flavors.
4. Simmer the Skillet: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Reduce Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes if there is excess liquid in the skillet, allowing it to evaporate and thicken the dish.
6. Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover briefly until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
7. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

• For a leaner meal, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies amount to control the spice level.
• You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans as desired.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
• To make the dish vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables.

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

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