Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re ready for a one-pan meal that’s as bold and colorful as the Southwest itself, you’re in for a serious treat with this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Packed with juicy ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, zesty spices, and hearty black beans, this dish delivers comfort and flavor all in one sizzling skillet. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this deliciously vibrant recipe brings warmth and excitement to your table in under 40 minutes—no boring bites allowed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity meets vibrant flavor in this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet recipe! Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in building layers of taste, color, and texture, so don’t skip out on the small stuff—every bit makes a difference.

• Lean ground beef: Choose lean for a lighter skillet that’s still packed with hearty, savory flavor.
• Yellow onion, diced: Sweetens the base and adds aromatic depth as it cooks down.
• Red bell pepper, diced: Adds a pop of color and a subtly sweet crunch.
• Garlic, minced: A must for robust flavor; fresh unlocks the best aroma.
• Chili powder: Brings smoky, Southwestern warmth to the entire dish.
• Cumin: Adds earthy undertones and accentuates the classic Tex-Mex flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient and ties all the flavors together.
• Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and a touch of sharpness.
• Garlic powder: An extra punch of savory goodness for depth.
• Oregano: Gives an herby, fragrant lift to the spices.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch brings gentle warmth and complexity.
• Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: These add natural sweetness and creamy texture, balancing the savory and spicy notes.
• Black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts protein and fiber while making the skillet extra hearty.
• Water: Helps the sweet potatoes cook perfectly and keeps everything moist.
• Shredded cheese (optional): For those melty, stretchy cheese pulls that make every bite irresistible.

How to Make Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium. Toss in your ground beef, diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to break the beef into large, bite-sized chunks as it begins to brown. Let everything mingle and cook together until the meat is no longer pink and veggies are fragrant—about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any extra fat so your skillet stays delicious but not greasy.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Now’s when the Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet really comes alive! Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes directly over the beef in the skillet. Give it all a good stir and let the spices toast for about a minute, releasing incredible aromas and enhancing every bite with a punch of flavor.

Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes, Beans, and Water

Time to bring in the stars of this skillet. Add your cubed sweet potatoes and drained black beans right into the mix, then pour in the water. Stir well so everything is evenly coated in the fragrant spice blend. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it all simmer away for 15 to 20 minutes—just until those sweet potatoes turn perfectly fork-tender.

Step 4: Let It Thicken

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, pop off the lid. Continue to cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step lets any extra liquid evaporate, so your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet isn’t soupy—just saucy enough to be hearty and satisfying.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Turn off the heat, sprinkle that glorious cup of shredded cheese all over the top (if you’re going cheesy), and put the lid back on. Give it 5 minutes for the cheese to melt into oozy, irresistible perfection. This final flourish makes every scoop impossible to resist.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Grab your favorite toppings and dive in! Bright, fresh garnishes or even a squeeze of lime can take this skillet from delicious to downright unforgettable.

How to Serve Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Freshness is key for this hearty skillet! Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a handful of diced avocado on top. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a few lime wedges for that bright, tangy finish—these little extras make every bite of Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet burst with flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Though this skillet is a meal all on its own, it’s fantastic with a simple side salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or a bowl of fluffy cilantro rice. Warm tortillas or cornbread are also smashing choices, perfect for scooping up all that savory, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off those layers! Serve your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet straight from the skillet for a rustic family-style vibe, or pile it into baked sweet potatoes or bell pepper halves for an eye-catching twist. You can even use leftovers as the base for a Southwestern-inspired burrito bowl for lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream with this dish! Pop any cooled Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It holds up beautifully and tastes just as fantastic reheated, making it perfect for easy lunches or a no-fuss dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to make this meal even more convenient, go ahead and freeze your cooled skillet portions. Use freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture, then reheat as desired.

Reheating

To refresh your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in intervals, mixing between each to ensure even warmth. Add a splash of water if things seem dry, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a fantastic swap if you want a lighter skillet. Just be sure to add a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, since poultry is generally leaner than beef.

What other beans can I use instead of black beans?

Feel free to experiment! Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas can work well in this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Each brings a slightly different texture and taste, so use what you love or have on hand.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe as written has a mild-to-medium kick from the chili powder and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, simply cut back on the red pepper flakes or skip them entirely. If you like things fiery, add a pinch more!

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Corn, zucchini, or chopped spinach are wonderful additions to bulk up the skillet and sneak in more nutrients. Just toss them in with the beans and potatoes so they have time to cook through.

What’s the best way to meal prep this dish?

Cook the entire skillet as directed and divide into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners. It reheats like a dream, making it one of the best meal-prep solutions in my recipe box!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fuss-free dish that satisfies every craving and makes the whole house smell incredible, give this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet a spot on your dinner table. It’s comforting, exciting, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. Enjoy every colorful, flavorful bite!

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