If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, cozy, and flavor-packed meal that comes together in just one pan, look no further than this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Full of vibrant veggies, hearty beef, warm southwestern spices, and that irresistible sweet-and-savory magic from the sweet potatoes, this skillet is a weeknight hero you’ll want in your regular dinner rotation. Plus, it’s wonderfully adaptable and ready in about half an hour—it might just become your go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is that it’s made from easy-to-find ingredients, but every single one plays an important role in building layers of flavor, color, and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for each!
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and less grease; you can swap for ground turkey if you like.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): First to roast the potatoes to golden perfection, then to brown the beef and vegetables for a silky, rich base.
- Sweet Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced): The star of the dish, they turn tender and slightly caramelized with cooking for that signature sweet-and-savory bite.
- Red Bell Pepper (1 small, diced): Adds a pop of color and a gentle, fresh crunch.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings classic aromatic sweetness that builds the savory background of the skillet.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Don’t skip this—it adds punchy depth to every bite!
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): This smoky spice is essential for that true Southwest flavor.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): It brings gentle heat and earthy warmth to the dish.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to add subtle smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly cracked is always best for added sharpness.
- Cayenne (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Go for this if your crew loves a little extra kick.
- Black Beans (1/2 cup, rinsed and drained): For added protein, fiber, and that creamy contrast to the other textures.
- Corn (1/2 cup, fresh, canned, or frozen): Sweet bursts of flavor add to the Southwest vibe and look beautiful in the skillet.
- Lime Juice (from 1/2 lime): Don’t skip the squeeze of citrus at the end—it brightens and ties everything together.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup chopped): Fresh and herby, this is the perfect finishing touch.
- Optional Toppings: Try avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa for a custom finish.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced sweet potatoes. Let them sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to develop those delicious golden edges while getting just tender enough to pierce with a fork but not falling apart. This step brings out their natural sweetness and gives the dish its signature texture.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
After removing the sweet potatoes and setting them aside, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Let it sizzle and brown for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently so it cooks evenly. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease—this keeps the skillet from turning soggy while ensuring all those meaty bits are savory and crisp.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
With the beef browned, it’s time to layer on flavor by adding diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and everything softens. The trio infuses the beef with classic Southwest aromatics and brightens up the skillet.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Now the magic happens! Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and that optional cayenne if you dare. Stir everything really well so the spices coat the beef and veggies. Let them bloom for a minute or two so the flavors become bold and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Bring the cooked sweet potatoes back to the skillet, along with the black beans and corn. Stir gently so you don’t break up those pretty cubes of sweet potato. Let everything warm for another 2 to 3 minutes until it’s heated through and smelling fantastic.
Step 6: Brighten and Finish
Turn off the heat and squeeze the juice of half a lime over the entire skillet, giving a quick toss. Finish your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with a shower of fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot and let everyone add their favorite toppings!
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
Toppings take this skillet to the next level! Add creamy slices of avocado for richness, a sprinkle of shredded cheese for meltiness, a dollop of sour cream for tang, or a spoonful of salsa for extra zest. Let everyone customize their own bowl—no two servings have to be alike!
Side Dishes
While the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a pretty complete meal on its own, it loves a little company. Pair it with a simple green salad, warm tortillas, or a scoop of fluffy cilantro-lime rice. The fresh sides bring contrast, balance, and a little extra festivity to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Scoop the skillet mixture into bell pepper halves or baked sweet potato boats for a stunning and fun twist. For appetizers, fill mini taco shells or serve as a nacho topping at your next get-together. The colors and flavors make it a showstopper every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet tastes even better the next day, as the spices deepen and meld. Let the dish cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This skillet freezes well! Let it cool completely, then spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (removing as much air as possible). Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheating your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is easy. For best results, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual servings in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, until hot.
FAQs
Is this dish spicy?
The base recipe is more savory than spicy, but the optional cayenne pepper and your choice of chili powder can increase the heat. Omit the cayenne and use mild chili powder to keep it family-friendly, or amp things up with a bit of hot sauce!
Can I use other ground meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work great in place of beef. Both will bring a lighter flavor, so consider boosting the spices a bit if you want an extra bold Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet experience.
What is the best way to dice sweet potatoes?
Peel the sweet potatoes first, then slice into 1/2-inch rounds before dicing into cubes. Uniform pieces cook more evenly and look lovely in the finished skillet. A sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of it!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check any optional toppings you use, like tortilla strips or pre-shredded cheese, if cross-contamination is a concern.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply leave out the beef and add extra black beans or a can of drained lentils for a protein boost. The flavors are so vibrant, you won’t miss the meat at all.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet—it’s deeply satisfying, colorful, and just so full of good vibes. Whether you whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serve it as the star of your next casual get-together, this dish is bound to earn rave reviews. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal that combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory ground beef and a blend of spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook until golden and fork-tender. Set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
- Season and Combine: Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Return sweet potatoes to the skillet, add black beans and corn. Cook until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze lime juice over the mixture, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, use cauliflower instead of sweet potatoes.
- Ground turkey can be a substitute for beef.
- Great for meal prep; refrigerates well for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
