Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With the smoky heat of chili powder and cumin, combined with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that reduces cleanup time—making it ideal for busy days. The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese brings extra flavor and comfort to the dish. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or looking for a filling meal with minimal prep, this recipe has you covered!

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
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cilantro for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Season the Beef: Add 4 teaspoons of chili powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and grated garlic to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the beef.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, and water. Mix everything together and bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. If needed, add more water to prevent sticking or to help soften the sweet potatoes.
5. Top with Cheese: Once the sweet potatoes are fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total time: 30-35 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Ground Meat: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken for a different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, add some diced jalapeños to the skillet or use a spicy chili powder blend.
• Sweet Potato Alternatives: Instead of sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes or butternut squash for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses, to give this dish a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave to reheat individual portions for about 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use regular white potatoes or even Yukon gold potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili powder and green chiles provide mild heat, but you can add more chili powder or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based protein, such as lentils, black beans, or a vegetarian meat substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with this dish?

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is filling on its own, but you could pair it with a side of rice, a simple salad, or even some warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the skillet along with the sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stove.

Can I use regular diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted tomatoes?

Yes, you can use regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder flavor. However, the fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth to the dish, which gives it a unique flavor.

How can I make this dish creamier?

For a creamier version, add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese into the skillet right before adding the cheese. This will make the dish richer and smoother.

Can I skip the cheese?

Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version or want to reduce the calorie count. The dish will still be delicious without it!

Conclusion

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. It’s packed with bold spices, nutritious sweet potatoes, and savory beef, all cooked together in one pan. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight meal or something hearty to meal prep, this skillet will not disappoint. It’s versatile, satisfying, and full of flavor.

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