If you’re searching for a vibrant and hearty dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors and comforting textures, look no further than this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. It brings together the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the robust, smoky notes of spiced ground beef, all mingling with the pizzazz of fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles. This skillet meal is as satisfying as it is colorful, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for a warm, wholesome feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is the key to making this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe a showstopper. Each component plays its own special role—from the rich and savory ground beef and the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes, to the aromatic spices that create the classic Southwest flavor profile you’ll adore.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon adds just the right amount of richness to sauté the beef and soften the onions.
- Diced onion: Half a cup brings sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- Lean ground beef: One pound provides hearty protein without excess fat, ensuring a balanced skillet.
- Chili powder: Three teaspoons, divided, infuse the skillet with smoky, spicy warmth.
- Ground cumin: One teaspoon adds that essential earthy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chili powder.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: To season and highlight all the vibrant flavors.
- Grated garlic: One teaspoon for an unmistakable savory punch that pulls everything together.
- Peeled and diced sweet potatoes: Two cups offer a tender, slightly sweet contrast to the savory elements.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: A 14.5-ounce can brings a smoky tomato richness that brightens every bite.
- Canned diced green chiles: Four ounces pack a mild heat and a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Water: A quarter cup helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly and keeps the skillet nice and saucy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Half a cup melts into the skillet for that irresistible creamy, sharp finish.
- Cilantro (optional): Fresh leaves add a pop of color and vibrant herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and ground beef together, breaking the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sprinkle all but one teaspoon of the chili powder, the cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir frequently and cook until the beef is nearly browned and the onions have softened, allowing those spices to meld beautifully. Just before the beef finishes cooking, add the grated garlic so it can release its aromatic flavor without burning.
Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes and Simmer
Into the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, canned green chiles, and water. Sprinkle in the remaining teaspoon of chili powder and a pinch more cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine those Southwest flavors perfectly. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the sweet potatoes cook through for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork—the slow simmer lets all the flavors fuse while softening the potatoes to creamy perfection.
Step 3: Combine and Melt Cheese
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, fold the cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Mix it thoroughly so every bite gets a wonderful balance of beef and sweet potato. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and cover the skillet again for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket. This final touch makes the dish irresistibly comforting and deeply flavorful.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a fantastic optional garnish for this skillet dish. Its bright, citrusy notes contrast beautifully with the smoky, savory flavors below, lifting the entire bowl. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a little extra zing and creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the Southwest spices.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a self-contained meal, but if you want to add something on the side, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements it nicely without overwhelming the bold spices. Alternatively, some warm corn tortillas or a scoop of fluffy rice can round out the meal, soaking up all those flavorful juices from the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual cast-iron skillets or colorful ramekins right at the table—it keeps it warm and feels extra special. Another creative idea is to stuff roasted bell peppers or baked potatoes with the skillet filling, turning it into a festive presentation that’s perfect for entertaining or weekday family dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure the skillet has fully cooled before sealing it. When thawed slowly in the fridge overnight, the texture and flavor hold up incredibly well.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to keep it saucy and moist. Melted cheese on top is a perfect finishing touch when reheating as well.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and creates a lighter version of this dish, still full of flavor when seasoned properly with the chili powder and cumin.
Are sweet potatoes the only option for this recipe?
You can definitely swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or even butternut squash if you prefer. Each will add a slightly different texture and flavor but keep the comforting heartiness intact.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe has a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. If you want it spicier, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein crumbles or cooked lentils to keep that meaty texture while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What cheese works best for melting over this dish?
Cheddar cheese is classic for its sharpness and excellent melting quality, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra creaminess or subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients that come together to create a truly special meal. It’s comforting, colorful, and packed with wholesome goodness, perfect for those nights when you want something both quick and memorable. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find yourself making it again and again as a flavorful staple in your home kitchen.
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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring lean ground beef seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic, combined with tender sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chiles, this dish is packed with bold southwestern flavors. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it offers a delicious and comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
- 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
- Prepare Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and ground beef. Break up the beef with a spatula and season with 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nearly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add grated garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: To the same skillet, add diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juice, canned diced green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Sweet Potatoes: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet again, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef if preferred.
- If canned green chiles are not available, diced jalapeños can add a similar heat level.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or omit cheese entirely.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
