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

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet 10 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.

(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

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet 11 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.

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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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southwest
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This one-pan meal is packed with seasoned ground beef, sweet potatoes, black beans, and bold southwest flavors. It’s healthy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights!


Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Skillet:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (10 oz / 283g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium beef broth (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving (Optional):

 

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Warm tortillas

Instructions

  • Cook the Ground Beef – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease if needed.

  • Add Garlic & Sweet Potatoes – Stir in garlic and sweet potatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes.

  • Season & Simmer – Add black beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.

  • Melt Cheese (Optional) – If using cheese, sprinkle over the skillet, cover, and let melt for 2 minutes.

 

  • Serve & Enjoy! Garnish with avocado, cilantro, lime, or sour cream. Serve as-is or with warm tortillas.


Notes

Low-Carb? Swap sweet potatoes for cauliflower rice.
Extra Heat? Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Make it Vegan? Use plant-based ground beef or extra black beans.

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