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
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
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
