Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Evaporate Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid, thickening the mixture slightly.
- 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.
- 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
