Description
A hearty and flavorful Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pot dish combines tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, bringing out the base flavors.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, combining everything evenly.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the sweet potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes if there’s excess liquid in the skillet, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
- Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet briefly until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or lentils.
- If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; just add fresh cilantro before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure canned ingredients have no added gluten-containing preservatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: Southwest Beef Skillet, Sweet Potato Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Quick Ground Beef Recipe, Healthy Skillet Dinner
