Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal. Packed with spices, tender sweet potatoes, and savory ground beef, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned, then drain off any extra fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
3. Step 3: Add the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, and water. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium low and cover the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top and replace the lid. Let sit for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
6. Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use frozen sweet potato cubes if fresh ones are not available; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans.

Storage

Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the skillet completely and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or leave them out to suit your spice preference.

Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet featuring lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, black beans, and aromatic spices. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that combines protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors with a melty cheese finish.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Add the ground beef, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned. Drain off any extra fat to keep the dish lean and flavorful.
2. Add the Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their aroma.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Beans: Mix in the cubed sweet potatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium low and cover the skillet to allow the sweet potatoes to steam and soften.
4. Simmer Until Tender: Cook covered for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Evaporate Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid, thickening the mixture slightly.
6. Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, then cover again. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes so the cheese melts nicely, adding creamy richness.
7. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for extra flavor.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
• You can swap black beans with pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
• Optional toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro complement the dish wonderfully.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.

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