Cheesy Tex-Mex Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Tex-Mex Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef with tender sweet potatoes and a melty cheese topping, it’s a comforting dish with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or queso asadero)
• Cilantro, avocado, and sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic, cubed sweet potatoes, taco seasoning, water, frozen corn, and diced poblano pepper to the skillet.
3. Step 3: Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes to let the remaining liquid evaporate.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and allow it to melt. Serve warm with optional cilantro, avocado, or sour cream as garnish.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without losing flavor.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for extra depth in the seasoning.
• Use sweet red or yellow peppers instead of poblano for a milder heat.
• Top with fresh jalapeños if you prefer more spice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels can be used. Add them at the same time as the other vegetables and cook until tender.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your taco seasoning contains no gluten additives.

Cheesy Tex-Mex Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

This Cheesy Tex-Mex Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory seasoned ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and a melty cheese topping. Infused with taco spices and fresh poblano peppers, it’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners that brings together the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium potatoes)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced

Seasoning and Liquids

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
• 1 cup water

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or queso asadero)
• Cilantro, avocado, and sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions together for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients and Cook: Stir in the minced garlic, cubed sweet potatoes, taco seasoning, water, frozen corn, and diced poblano pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors meld.
3. Simmer Off Excess Liquid: Remove the lid from the skillet and continue cooking on medium-low heat for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, allowing any remaining liquid to evaporate so the skillet is not watery.
4. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet contents and let it melt completely. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream if desired for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

• You can use any type of taco seasoning blend you prefer, homemade or store-bought.
• To make the dish spicier, leave some seeds in the poblano pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
• Make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
• This skillet meal can be easily doubled for meal prep or feeding a larger crowd.

Keywords: Tex-Mex skillet, ground beef recipe, sweet potato skillet, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy beef skillet