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
Scale
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
