Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes with spiced ground beef and cheesy goodness, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 5 teaspoons chili powder (divided)
• 2 teaspoons 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

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 teaspoons chili powder, ground cumin, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add diced sweet potatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), green chiles, remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, and water. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Cover skillet and simmer over low-medium heat until sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Remove lid, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and cover again for a few minutes until cheese melts.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky depth.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
• If you like it spicier, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the dish seems dry when reheating, add a splash of water to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes; just increase the cooking time slightly and cook until they are fully tender before adding the cheese.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for a gluten-free diet.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a blend of southwestern spices. With a hint of smokiness from fire-roasted diced tomatoes and a touch of heat from green chiles, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 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

Seasonings and Cheese

• 5 teaspoons chili powder (divided)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and sauté onion: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Cook the ground beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Season the meat: Stir in 4 teaspoons of chili powder (reserving 1 teaspoon for later), 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon grated garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook with the beef for another minute to release the spices’ aroma.
4. Add sweet potatoes and tomatoes: Mix in the peeled and diced sweet potatoes, the entire can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and 4 ounces of canned diced green chiles.
5. Add water and simmer: Pour in 1/4 cup of water, stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Finish with cheese and remaining chili powder: Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of chili powder over the skillet mixture and then evenly distribute 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts, about 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot straight from the skillet for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce the chili powder or omit the green chiles.
• Sweet potatoes can be swapped with regular potatoes if not in season.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: southwest skillet, ground beef recipe, sweet potato skillet, one-pan dinner, southwestern cuisine, easy weeknight meal