Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both hearty and wholesome, the Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is just the ticket! This dish has become a favorite in our household, not just for its delicious flavors but also for its simplicity. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying or for family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What truly makes this skillet special is how it combines lean ground beef with sweet potatoes and fresh veggies, all brought together with zesty spices. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup—a win-win in my book!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the mix of flavors and textures, making it an easy choice for family dinners.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish keeps everyone feeling satisfied and healthy.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as is, but also great as a base to add your own twist!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep ingredients in advance to save even more time during the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delightful Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is all about using simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather these items, and you’ll be on your way to a tasty dinner!

For the Skillet

• 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
• ⅛ 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some spinach or kale towards the end for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños.
• Go dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to make it suitable for different diets.

How to Make Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Veggies

Start by adding the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to your skillet over medium heat. As the meat cooks, break it up into large chunks. This process not only browns the beef but also allows those delicious flavors from the veggies to meld together. Once browned, drain any excess fat—keeping it lean helps balance out this hearty dish.

Step 2: Add Your Spices

Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir these spices into the meat mixture while cooking for about one minute. This step is crucial because it blooms the spices and enhances their flavors—your kitchen will start smelling divine!

Step 3: Incorporate Sweet Potatoes and Beans

Now it’s time to add in those cubed sweet potatoes along with the drained black beans and water. Stir everything well so that those sweet potato cubes get coated with all those lovely spices. Cover your skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low; let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until those sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Evaporate Excess Liquid

Remove the lid from your skillet after cooking time is up. Give it another few minutes on medium heat to evaporate any remaining liquid—this helps concentrate all those fantastic flavors even more.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Once you’re happy with the consistency of your dish, take it off heat. If you’re using cheese (and who wouldn’t want gooey cheese?), sprinkle it over your skillet before covering again. Let it sit for about five minutes—this will help melt that cheesy goodness beautifully.

Step 6: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

Finally, serve up your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet with any toppings you love! Think sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative), fresh cilantro, or avocado slices for that extra flair.

And there you have it! A delightful recipe that brings warmth and flavor right to your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful, so here are some easy tips to make your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet even more delicious!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can drastically enhance the flavor of your dish. They release essential oils that provide a richer taste compared to pre-ground spices.
• Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your family’s spice tolerance. If you enjoy a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit them altogether, making it suitable for everyone.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in any extra vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or corn. This not only boosts the nutrition but also adds vibrant colors and textures to the skillet.
• Opt for low-fat cheese: If you’re watching calories, choosing a low-fat cheese option can help cut down the fat content while still providing that creamy finish when melted.
• Make it ahead: This skillet meal is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and simply reheat portions throughout the week, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

How to Serve Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

This dish is not only hearty but also colorful, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Serve it family-style right from the skillet for an inviting dinner experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness that complements the spices beautifully.
• Sour cream or yogurt: A dollop of dairy-free sour cream or plain yogurt provides a creamy contrast to the zesty flavors.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness while balancing out the spice levels in this dish.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing pairs perfectly with the richness of the skillet.
• Quinoa or Brown Rice: These whole grains add extra fiber and protein, making your meal even more satisfying.
• Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and seasonings before roasting them until crispy. Their crunchiness complements the softness of sweet potatoes.
• Cornbread Muffins: A sweet and savory cornbread muffin makes for a great side, adding a delightful texture and hint of sweetness.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet will become an instant favorite at your dinner table! Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is ideal for meal prep! With its hearty ingredients and robust flavors, you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the toppings separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• For best texture, consider freezing without cheese, adding it during reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave on low power to defrost.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in the Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will work perfectly with the spices and sweet potatoes.

How can I make my Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet spicier?

To amp up the heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños for an extra kick!

What other vegetables can I add to this skillet?

Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, corn, or even spinach would complement this dish beautifully while adding more nutrition.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is excellent for meal prep and can be easily stored or frozen for later enjoyment!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience filled with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for your week ahead, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Happy cooking!