If you are craving a hearty and vibrant meal that balances bold spices with the natural sweetness of vegetables, the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is just what you need. This dish perfectly combines tender ground beef with tender, sweet potatoes and a medley of Southwest-inspired flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. It’s a quick, one-pan wonder that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, making it a brilliant weeknight dinner solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing something special to the table—whether it’s texture, color, or that unmistakable Southwest flair that makes this skillet sing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides the perfect base to sauté and brings a subtle richness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Adds a sweet-earthy crunch and depth of flavor when caramelized slightly.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein that anchors the skillet and soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided: Infuses smoky heat and that signature Southwest kick.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy aroma that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic lift that enhances every bite.
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes: Tender and naturally sweet, these soak up the spices and create a comforting texture.
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds smoky tang and juiciness that brightens the dish.
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles: Brings gentle heat and a slightly smoky pepper flavor that’s quintessentially Southwest.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps create steam for tender sweet potatoes and melds the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey topping that adds creaminess and richness.
- Cilantro for garnish, optional: Provides a fresh, herbal brightness that perfectly offsets the richness.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ground Beef and Onions
Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and lean ground beef, breaking the meat into small crumbles with your spatula. Season with 3 teaspoons of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is just about done and the onions are softened. Then stir in the grated garlic so it cooks gently without burning, releasing its wonderful aroma into the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes with Tomatoes and Chiles
In the same skillet, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and canned green chiles. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, a pinch more cumin, salt, and pepper, then pour in 1/4 cup of water. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and have soaked in all those lovely flavors.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Sweet Potato Mixture and Melt Cheese
Now it’s time to marry those ingredients: return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet and stir it all together until it’s perfectly combined. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt into a gorgeous, gooey layer. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, your skillet is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a wonderful finishing touch that adds a pop of green and a burst of fresh herbal flavor. For extra creaminess, feel free to dollop on a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Maybe even a few slices of avocado if you’re feeling indulgent—each garnish brings its own joy and personality to the dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lime dressing or warm, soft corn tortillas to scoop up every delicious bite. You can also serve it alongside Mexican-style rice to round out your meal with even more hearty textures and flavorful appeal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet topped with a fried egg, turning this into a tasty brunch option. Or load it into warm flour tortillas for satisfying Southwest-inspired tacos. You can also portion it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, nutrient-packed presentation that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It keeps very well and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it an even more delightful meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When time comes, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or gently warm it from frozen in a covered skillet over low heat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the mixture and keep the sweet potatoes tender. Cover to warm evenly and gently melt the cheese again. You can also use a microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure everything heats through evenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles would work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using different proteins, and you’ll still have that satisfying Southwest flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
Regular canned diced tomatoes can be a fine substitute, though you’ll miss a bit of that smoky depth. To mimic the fire-roasted flavor, you might add a pinch of smoked paprika or a little chipotle powder alongside the chili powder.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level, thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder, and for extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all spice blends and canned ingredients (like green chiles) don’t contain gluten. It’s a wholesome option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make this dish more colorful?
Adding diced red bell peppers or a handful of fresh corn kernels during the cooking process can brighten the colors and boost the overall vibrancy. A splash of lime juice at the end also lifts the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is one of those comfort meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s an easy, flavorful, and nourishing dish that you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how gorgeous simple, wholesome ingredients can taste when combined with a little love and spice.
Print
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining lean ground beef with sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of classic Southwest spices, this dish delivers comforting warmth and a delicious savory taste with minimal cleanup. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 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
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, crumbling the beef as it cooks. Season with 3 teaspoons chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Cook until the beef is nearly done, then stir in grated garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet with the beef, add peeled and diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, canned diced green chiles, and 1/4 cup water. Season with the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, additional cumin as desired, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir the cooked ground beef back into the sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to keep the dish healthier and reduce excess fat.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier variety of chili powder.
- Sweet potatoes can be substituted with regular potatoes or butternut squash if preferred.
- Covering the skillet while simmering helps the sweet potatoes cook faster and steams the ingredients to meld flavors.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
