Table of Contents
why make this recipe
This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect dish for busy weeknights. It’s not only quick to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of sweet potatoes and lean ground beef makes it a filling meal that can keep you satisfied. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you!
how to make Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheese, optional
Directions:
- Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned. Drain off any extra fat.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Add in the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, and water. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
- Remove the pan from heat. Add the cheese and replace the lid. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes for the cheese to melt.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
how to serve Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
You can enjoy this dish straight from the skillet! It’s great on its own, but feel free to add toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
how to store Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
tips to make Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
- Make sure to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- For a vegetarian option, you can skip the ground beef and use extra beans or lentils.
variation
You can easily swap the sweet potatoes for other veggies like zucchini or cauliflower. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try using taco seasoning instead of the spices listed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and makes this dish leaner.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
What can I do if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
You can substitute regular potatoes or even quinoa for a different twist.
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned. Drain off any extra fat.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Add in the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, and water. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
- Remove the pan from heat. Add the cheese and replace the lid. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes for the cheese to melt.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
