Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy-to-make dinner, then this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly what you need. This vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal combines seasoned ground beef with tender sweet potatoes, colorful bell peppers, and a medley of Southwest spices, creating a wholesome dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Forget endless scrubbing and complicated steps; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal without the fuss. It’s a culinary win for both your taste buds and your schedule!

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Key Ingredients for Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

To embark on this flavorful journey, gather these essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in building the robust Southwest profile of our skillet.

1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing.
1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner): The savory base of our dish.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a foundational sweetness and aroma.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a pungent, aromatic kick.
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes: Provides natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.
1 red bell pepper, cored and diced: For vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
1 green bell pepper, cored and diced: Adds a slightly bitter, fresh counterpoint.
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: For protein, fiber, and an earthy flavor.
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn): Adds sweetness and tenderness.
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides a juicy, tangy base.
1 tablespoon chili powder: The backbone of our Southwest spice blend.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: For a deep, smoky undertone.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat): If you like a little kick!
½ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herbaceous note.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: To season perfectly.
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish: For a bright, fresh finish.
Optional toppings: Avocado slices, sour cream/Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese.

How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is an absolute dream for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal without the hassle. It comes together in just about 35 minutes, offering an incredible depth of flavor from savory ground beef and tender sweet potatoes, all brought to life with vibrant bell peppers and a signature blend of Southwest spices.

Its easy-to-follow steps mean you’ll have a satisfying, wholesome, and delightfully comforting dish on the table in no time, making it a perfect quick-fix for any night of the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes, and dice the red and green bell peppers. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn. This mise en place will make the cooking process much smoother.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Sweet Potatoes and Peppers: Incorporate the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the beef and aromatics.
Season the Skillet: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and dried oregano over the ingredients in the skillet. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the spices coat all the ingredients evenly.
Simmer to Tenderize: Pour in the undrained petite diced tomatoes. Add the rinsed and drained black beans and drained corn kernels. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, topped with optional avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

You’ll quickly fall in love with this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet because it’s a harmonious blend of tantalizing flavors and incredible convenience. The main highlight is its vibrant, wholesome profile, packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and natural sweetness—all in one pan for easy cleanup. This recipe is also a fantastic money-saver; cooking at home with affordable ingredients like ground beef and seasonal produce significantly cuts down on takeout costs, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the hefty price tag.

The rich, earthy notes from cumin and smoked paprika, perfectly balanced with the bright zest of cilantro and the creamy addition of avocado, elevate this dish far beyond a simple weeknight meal. If you appreciate the simplicity and robust flavors of our One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies, you’ll adore how this skillet brings that same delicious ease with a Southwest twist. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this irresistible skillet tonight!

What to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet With:

This versatile Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Warm Tortillas or Tortilla Chips: Offer soft flour or corn tortillas for wrapping, or serve with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.
Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet.
Avocado Salad: A fresh avocado salad with red onion and cilantro would complement the flavors perfectly.
Cilantro Lime Rice: A side of fluffy cilantro lime rice would soak up the delicious juices and add another layer of flavor.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): If you’re feeling ambitious, grilled Mexican street corn on the cob makes an excellent accompaniment.
Spicy Margaritas or Agua Fresca: For drinks, a zesty spicy margarita or a refreshing agua fresca (like cucumber-lime) would complete the Southwest experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet:

Uniform Sweet Potato Dicing: Ensure your sweet potatoes are diced into roughly ½-inch cubes. This uniformity is key for even cooking. If they’re too large, they’ll take longer to cook; too small, and they might become mushy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, overcrowding can steam the ingredients instead of browning them. Consider using two skillets or cooking the beef and vegetables in batches if necessary. A 12-inch skillet is ideal for this recipe.
Adjust Spice Level: The cayenne pepper is optional. If you prefer less heat, omit it. For more heat, feel free to add an extra pinch or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) minimizes the amount of fat you’ll need to drain, making the dish healthier and less greasy.
Black Bean Prep: Thoroughly rinsing and draining the canned black beans before adding them removes excess sodium and starch, which can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving! Salt and pepper levels are personal, and you might want to add a bit more of a particular spice to suit your preference. A squeeze of lime juice at the end can also brighten all the flavors.
Fresh Cilantro is Key: While dried cilantro exists, fresh cilantro provides that vibrant, essential Southwest flavor that makes this dish pop. Don’t skip it for garnish!

Storing and Reheating Tips for Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet:

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is wonderful for meal prep and stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing:
Once completely cooled, transfer the skillet mixture to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Divide the cooled skillet into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating:

From the Refrigerator: For best results, reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
From the Freezer: If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat as described above. If reheating directly from frozen, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on 50% power for 5-7 minutes, then increase to full power and continue heating until warmed through, stirring frequently. For stovetop, place the frozen mixture in a pan with a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat over low until thawed and heated through, breaking up the mixture as it thaws.

Final Thoughts:

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how incredible wholesome, one-pan cooking can be. It’s incredibly flavorful, wonderfully healthy, and remarkably easy to clean up – a true trifecta for any busy home cook. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises a delightful experience and a hearty, satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let its vibrant flavors transport you straight to the heart of the Southwest!

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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet FAQs:

Q1: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A1: Yes! You can easily make this a vegetarian Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet. Omit the ground beef and instead add an extra can of black beans or kidney beans, or even some crumbled firm tofu or tempeh, during the sautéing step to maintain the protein content.

Q2: What if I don’t like sweet potatoes? Can I use regular potatoes?
A2: Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and nutrition, you can substitute them with regular potatoes (like Russets or Yukon Golds), diced into similar ½-inch cubes. Keep in mind that regular potatoes may take slightly longer to cook, so test for tenderness.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
A3: Definitely! This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is very adaptable. Feel free to add ingredients like diced zucchini, corn (if not already added), or even spinach (stir in at the very end until wilted) to boost the vegetable content and flavor.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. A diced jalapeño or serrano pepper added with the bell peppers would also provide a fresh, fiery kick. Don’t forget a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce when serving!

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free, assuming all your ingredients (like canned goods) are certified gluten-free. Always check product labels if you have a strict gluten-free diet.

Q6: Can I prepare any parts of this ahead of time?
A6: Yes, meal prepping is a great idea for this recipe! You can dice all the vegetables (onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, bell peppers) ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This will significantly cut down on your cooking time on a busy weeknight.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet – Healthy One-Pan Meal