Zesty Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Southwest Skillet Recipe

Simmering with robust flavors, this southwest ground beef and sweet potato skillet delivers a mouthwatering meal that blends spicy seasonings with tender ingredients.

Rich ground beef melts perfectly into caramelized sweet potato cubes, creating a delectable one-pan wonder.

Each bite promises a delightful dance of southwest-inspired spices and hearty textures.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this skillet meal comes together quickly for busy weeknight dinners.

The combination of smoky beef and sweet potato offers a satisfying balance that will excite your taste buds.

Loaded with nutrients and bold flavors, this skillet promises to become a new family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this southwestern culinary adventure.

Save Leftovers So They Still Taste Fresh

• Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for busy weeknights, perfect for grab-and-go meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.
• Safely store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days, keeping flavors intact and maintaining the dish's delicious texture when reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Portion cooled skillet contents into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals stay delicious for 2-3 months, offering convenient future meals that reheat quickly.
• Chop sweet potatoes and measure spices in advance, allowing faster assembly during hectic weekday cooking. Keep pre-cut ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator for streamlined meal preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich base with robust flavor, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Black Beans: Adds protein and creamy texture, select low-sodium canned beans for convenience.

• Sweet Potatoes: Brings natural sweetness and nutritional boost, pick firm potatoes with smooth skin.
• Onion: Offers deep, savory foundation, use yellow onions for classic southwestern taste.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity, fresh cloves deliver more vibrant flavor than pre-minced.
• Corn: Introduces sweet crunch and bright color, frozen or canned work perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Delivers tangy kick and southwestern spirit, opt for fire-roasted variety.

• Chili Powder: Creates warm, complex southwestern profile, blend of ground chilies enhances depth.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, smoky undertone, freshly ground offers more intense flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes rich, smoky dimension, spanish varieties recommended.
• Oregano: Introduces subtle herbal notes, dried herbs work best in skillet dishes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and vibrant spark, adjust quantity for personal spice preference.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brings bright, fresh finish, rinse thoroughly before chopping.

• Cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy texture, sharp cheddar or pepper jack recommended.
• Lime: Provides zesty brightness, fresh squeeze enhances entire dish.

Tools to Make This Southwest Skillet Shine

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients with even heat.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, sweet potatoes, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Helps with precise vegetable dicing and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and other spices.
• Can opener: Useful for opening canned black beans and diced tomatoes.
• Cheese grater (optional): Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

How to Prepare a Flavorful Skillet Combo

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles until perfectly cooked and golden.

• Wake Up the Flavors

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their aromatic magic for a few minutes.

• Spice and Sweet Adventure

Introduce sweet potatoes and a burst of southwestern spices – chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika – creating a flavor explosion that makes your taste buds tingle.

• Build the Southwest Symphony

Fold in black beans, zesty tomatoes with green chilies, and corn, allowing everything to mingle and develop a rich, hearty personality.

• Cheesy Finale (Optional)

If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt into a gooey, irresistible blanket of deliciousness.

• Finish with Freshness

Scatter fresh cilantro across the skillet and serve with bright lime wedges to add a final pop of vibrant flavor.

Great Additions for a Heartier Skillet Dish

• Add a splash of lime juice while cooking to brighten the entire dish and enhance southwestern flavors.
• This skillet keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight leftovers or lunch preparations.
• Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary needs without losing the robust southwestern taste.
• Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower rice or zucchini chunks to create a keto-friendly version of this delicious one-pan meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and chili powder to create a mild family-friendly version or a fiery hot experience based on personal heat preferences.

Ways to Serve This Skillet for Any Meal

• Fiesta Bowl Delight: Scoop the skillet into individual bowls for a hearty, colorful meal that's bursting with southwestern flavors.
• Taco Night Twist: Transform the skillet into taco fillings by serving with warm tortillas, crisp lettuce, and additional toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
• One-Pan Meal Companions: Pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices and complete the dining experience.
• Quick Leftovers Makeover: Stuff the mixture into bell peppers, wrap in a tortilla, or serve over rice for a completely new meal the next day.

Hearty Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southwest ground beef and sweet potato skillet brings zesty Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Hearty protein, colorful vegetables, and bold spices combine in one pan for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) ground beef, lean
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• ½ cup (118 ml) corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ cup (120 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional)
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Beef Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium flame, breaking it into crumbly texture while rendering fat, then drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, releasing their robust essence.
3. Spice Infusion: Incorporate diced sweet potatoes with a medley of spices – chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes – creating a vibrant southwestern profile. Cover and allow ingredients to meld, stirring periodically until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
4. Flavor Layering: Fold in black beans, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sweet corn kernels. Simmer covered, enabling ingredients to harmonize and sweet potatoes to become completely soft.
5. Cheesy Finish: Optional cheese melting stage involves sprinkling desired cheese across the skillet and covering briefly until it transforms into a luxurious, molten topping.
6. Presentation: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and accompany with bright lime wedges, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed southwestern-inspired meal.

Notes

• Dice sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent a greasy final dish and maintain a clean, robust flavor profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and chili powder according to personal heat tolerance, tasting and tweaking spice levels as you cook.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version without compromising the Southwest flavor palette.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg