Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes with spiced ground beef and black beans, it’s a balanced dish full of vibrant colors and bold tastes.

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: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Break the beef into large chunks and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
3. Step 3: Add the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top and cover again. Let it sit for about 5 minutes for the cheese to melt.
6. Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of water.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a bit of spicy kick.
• If you prefer softer sweet potatoes, cook covered for a few extra minutes until tender.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To keep the sweet potatoes tender, add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but cooking time may vary. Regular potatoes might take a bit longer to become tender, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This skillet meal freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 761 reviews

This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining lean ground beef with sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of southwestern spices, it’s both nutritious and comforting. The dish is cooked entirely on the stovetop, making it quick and easy to prepare, with an optional cheesy topping to add a creamy finish.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Veggies

• 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
• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices & 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

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Veggies: Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat before proceeding.
2. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly while cooking for about one minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Beans: Stir in the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, drained black beans, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.
4. Cook Until Tender: Let the mixture cook covered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Evaporate Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid, ensuring the dish is not watery.
6. Finish with Cheese (Optional): Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and let it sit for about 5 minutes off the heat, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skillet warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added freshness and texture.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier version and to reduce extra grease.
• You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
• For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with textured vegetable protein or cooked lentils.
• If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Adding cheese is optional; use a Mexican blend or cheddar for best flavor.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for an authentic southwestern touch.

Keywords: Southwestern, Ground Beef, Sweet Potato, Skillet, One-Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, Healthy, Black Beans