Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
