Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights, topped with optional melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
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 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 avoid greasiness.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add sweet potatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies (with their liquid), chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, 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 if there is any excess liquid remaining in the skillet, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Optional cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover briefly, and let it melt for about 1 minute.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately for a comforting, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the beef and add extra beans or a meat substitute.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: Southwest skillet, ground beef recipe, sweet potato dinner, quick one-pan meal, healthy weeknight dinner
