Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Imagine a warm skillet bubbling with vibrant colors and spicy aromas, promising a hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes. The Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet combines seasoned ground beef with sweet potatoes and beans, making it a nutritious and satisfying one-pan dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss.

This recipe is for anyone who loves a quick, flavorful dinner packed with nutrition. It’s great for family gatherings or a cozy night in, and you can easily make it ahead of time or store leftovers for future meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare and cook, taking only 30 minutes.
• One-pan meal makes for easy cleanup.
• Flavorful spices create a delicious harmony.
• Packed with protein and vegetables for a nutritious bite.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dish.

For the Skillet

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheese, optional

Optional cheese for extra creaminess.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken for beef
• Any color bell pepper for red
• Sweet potatoes can be replaced with regular potatoes
• Cheddar cheese can be swapped for mozzarella

How to Make It

Follow these steps for a delicious, easy meal.

Brown the beef

Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned. Drain off any extra fat.

Stir in spices

Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.

Add sweet potatoes and beans

Add in the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, and water. Stir well, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Evaporate excess liquid

Remove the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.

Melt the cheese

Remove the pan from heat. Add the cheese and replace the lid. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes for the cheese to melt.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: microwave for 2-3 minutes or until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Ensure the sweet potatoes are uniformly cubed for even cooking.
• Let it sit covered after cooking to enhance flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for freshness.
• Serve alongside a green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor.