Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
