Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and zesty spices, it’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly and easily.
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
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies (with liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Remove the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more if there is excess liquid.
- Step 6: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover briefly until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use sweet potato cubes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the mixture is dry after reheating, stir in a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the ground beef and add extra beans or diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What can I serve with this skillet meal?
This dish is great on its own or served with warm tortillas, a fresh green salad, or a side of rice for a complete meal.
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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and hearty Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet combining tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, featuring bold southwestern spices and optional melted cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Ingredients
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
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute spices.
- Simmer and Cook Sweet Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Remove the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more if there is excess liquid remaining. This step thickens the skillet mixture for better texture.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover briefly and cook until the cheese melts, about 1 minute, adding creamy richness to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a leaner dish, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Sweet potatoes can be substituted with regular potatoes, but cooking time may vary.
- Adjust the chili powder and green chilies to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For added texture, sprinkle with chopped green onions or avocado slices before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: Southwest ground beef skillet, sweet potato recipe, one-pan dinner, black beans, easy weeknight meal, southwestern cuisine
