Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Combining tender sweet potatoes with spiced ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, it’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic
• 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
• 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, crumbling the beef with a wooden spoon. Stir in 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is nearly done, then add the grated garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the mixture onto a plate and wipe out the skillet.
2. Step 2: Add the diced sweet potatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover with a lid, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Step 3: Return the ground beef mixture to the skillet and stir everything together. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover again for about a minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicier twist.
• You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
• If you prefer softer sweet potatoes, simmer them a few minutes longer before adding the beef back in.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, frozen diced sweet potatoes work well and can be cooked directly in the skillet. Adjust cooking time slightly until they are tender.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those avoiding gluten.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet combining lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and a blend of classic southwestern spices. This one-pan dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner with melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh cilantro garnish.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
• 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic

Spices & Seasonings

• 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Liquids & Cheese

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, crumbling the beef with a wooden spoon. Season with 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is nearly done, then add grated garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet onto a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
2. Simmer the Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables: Add peeled and diced sweet potatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes, canned diced green chiles, 1/4 cup water, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet with the sweet potatoes, stirring to combine evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover again with the lid, and let it sit for a minute or until the cheese melts.
4. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top the skillet with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot and enjoy a flavorful, nourishing meal.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
• For a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Sweet potatoes should be diced small to ensure even and timely cooking.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or black beans.
• Covering the skillet during simmering helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly and retains moisture.

Keywords: southwest skillet, ground beef recipe, sweet potato dinner, one pan meal, southwestern cuisine, quick dinner, easy skillet recipe, cheesy beef and sweet potatoes