Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe that combines lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a blend of southwestern spices for a comforting one-pan meal. This dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
- Cilantro for garnish (optional)
Spices and Seasonings
- 5 teaspoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin (divided)
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
Other
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and onions. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion, crumbling the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is nearly done, then add the grated garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.
- Simmer the sweet potatoes and vegetables. Add the diced sweet potatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes, canned green chiles, water, remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, remaining 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then cover with a lid. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Combine and add cheese. Return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet and stir everything together thoroughly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover again with the lid, and allow the cheese to melt, about one minute.
- Serve and garnish. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity to your preferred spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.
- If sweet potatoes are not available, you can use regular potatoes but cooking time may vary.
