Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and bold Tex-Mex spices. With tender sweet potatoes, juicy ground beef, and colorful bell peppers, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal: Easy to cook and clean up.
• Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Bold flavors: Southwest spices make this dish extra delicious.
• Great for meal prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap proteins to fit your diet.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
• Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• Olive oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Bell peppers (red or yellow, diced)
• Black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh lime juice
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado slices
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or hot sauce

Directions

1. Cook the sweet potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté the veggies: Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add seasonings and ingredients: Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Combine and finish: Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook for 2 more minutes. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and garnish with cilantro.
6. Serve and enjoy! Add your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 4 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Low-carb option: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini.
• Turkey or chicken version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based crumbles or more beans instead of beef.
• Cheesy twist: Melt shredded cheese on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes! White potatoes work well, but sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that complements the spices.

What can I serve this with?

It’s great on its own, but you can serve it with rice, tortillas, or a side salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Skip the cheese and use dairy-free yogurt if adding a creamy topping.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions.

How do I make this a burrito filling?

Spoon the mixture into tortillas, add cheese and avocado, and roll into a burrito.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I cook this in the Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for the beef, then pressure cook everything for 5 minutes.

What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes evenly?

Peel and dice them into small ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

How do I add extra protein?

Add extra beans or stir in cooked quinoa for more protein.

Conclusion

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With bold flavors and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it today and enjoy a nutritious, satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes!

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