There is something downright irresistible about this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. It combines the hearty richness of seasoned ground beef with the naturally sweet, tender chunks of sweet potato, all simmered together with vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes and a smoky mix of spices. The melted cheddar cheese on top brings everything together in a perfectly cozy, colorful, and satisfying dish that’s ideal for a family dinner or a casual weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe are delightfully simple yet pack a big punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role, ensuring the dish comes together with just the right balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon of this adds a silky base for sautéing your onions and beef.
- Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor once softened.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this skillet filling and nourishing.
- Chili powder (3 teaspoons, divided): Infuses the dish with warmth and classic Southwest spice notes.
- Ground cumin: Offers an earthy undertone that complements both the beef and sweet potatoes.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated garlic: Brings a vibrant punch to the savory profile when added toward the end of cooking.
- Peeled and diced sweet potatoes: Adds sweetness, color, and satisfying texture to brighten the dish.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Provide smoky, tangy flavor and a juicy component that melds everything together.
- Canned diced green chiles: Inject a mild kick and extra Southwest flair.
- Water: Helps simmer the sweet potatoes to tender perfection without drying out the skillet.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious topping that adds creaminess and a savory snap.
- Cilantro (optional): Fresh herbiness to brighten and finish each serving beautifully.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and lean ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Season with 3 teaspoons of chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Sauté until the beef is nearly cooked through and the onions have softened. Just before finishing, stir in the grated garlic for that final burst of savory aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables
With the same skillet, add your diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and canned green chiles. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, and season with the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and have absorbed those beautiful Southwest flavors.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Vegetables, Melt Cheese
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, reintroduce the cooked ground beef mixture into the skillet. Stir everything together so the beef and vegetables are perfectly combined. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the pan so the cheese can melt beautifully, creating a creamy, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
One of the simplest ways to elevate this dish is by adding a handful of fresh cilantro leaves on top just before serving. The bright, herbal notes from cilantro add a fresh pop of color and an invigorating complementary flavor, making each bite feel even more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe stands strong on its own, but you can add a side of warm corn tortillas or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the meal. For extra creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of guacamole pairs beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve this skillet family directly at the table so everyone can dig in and scoop up as much as they like. Alternatively, transform it into a filling for stuffed bell peppers or use it as a hearty topping over fluffy rice or warm quinoa for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze the cooled skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works perfectly with the bold spices and hearty sweet potatoes in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly as turkey may cook faster.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
You can substitute regular diced tomatoes or canned tomatoes with chilies to keep the smoky flavor profile. Adding a bit of smoked paprika can also help mimic that roasted taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The spices and sweet potatoes will keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
Is it spicy?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. If you prefer more heat, consider adding minced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
Sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. If they’re mushy, they’ve overcooked, so keep an eye on them during the 20-minute simmer.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s packed with flavor, comforting textures, and an easy cooking process that anyone can master. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to meal in the kitchen!
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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and a blend of smoky spices. Fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles add depth and a mild kick, while melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro elevate the dish to a comforting, well-rounded dinner perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and crumbled ground beef. Season with 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nearly cooked through, then stir in 1 teaspoon grated garlic. Continue cooking until beef is fully browned and aromatic.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet with the cooked beef, add peeled and diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, canned diced green chiles, and 1/4 cup water. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, additional cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir the cooked ground beef mixture into the sweet potato mixture thoroughly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm directly from the pan for a cozy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or use a hotter chili powder blend.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all canned goods and spices are labeled gluten-free.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer softer sweet potatoes, simmer covered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
