Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, hearty meal perfect for any night of the week. Combining savory spices, tender sweet potatoes, and protein-packed beef, it’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavors.

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. 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, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet, replace the lid, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper.
• Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference.
• Use sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a richer flavor.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving brightens the flavors.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the skillet completely, then cool and refrigerate it. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving, adding cheese fresh if desired.

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Frozen sweet potatoes can be used but may release more moisture. Adjust cooking time and allow a few extra minutes uncovered to evaporate excess liquid.

Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 119 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet combining lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of spices. This one-pan meal is perfect for a nutritious and comforting weeknight dinner, with an optional cheesy topping to enhance the rich southwestern flavors.

• Author: Sana
• 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

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Spices and Seasonings

• 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

Other Ingredients

• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and vegetables. Add the ground beef, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet set over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any extra fat to keep the dish lean.
2. Add the spices. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes over the beef mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and well combined.
3. Cook the sweet potatoes and beans. Stir in the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
4. Evaporate excess liquid. Remove the lid and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency.
5. Add cheese and melt. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese, adding a creamy texture to the dish.
6. Serve. Serve the skillet with your favorite toppings such as fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or additional beans.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to your preference.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
• This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad.
• If you prefer a crispy texture, after adding the cheese, you can place the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly (use an oven-safe skillet).

Keywords: southwestern beef skillet, sweet potato recipe, ground beef skillet, one-pan dinner, healthy beef recipe, black beans, cheesy beef sweet potato skillet