If you’re craving a healthy, hearty, one-pan dinner that satisfies on every level, look no further than this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, comes together in just 30 minutes, and delivers all those Tex-Mex vibes you adore—without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, which means easy prep and even easier clean-up for a stress-free weeknight meal.
- Bold Southwest Flavors: A generous helping of chili powder, cumin, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chiles delivers an irresistible, smoky warmth in every bite.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Lean ground beef and sweet potatoes make this dish naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and loaded with fiber and vitamins.
- Super Family-Friendly: Melty cheddar on top seals the deal—this skillet pleases picky eaters and adventurous palates alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one brings something special—vibrant color, craveable flavor, and hearty texture that make this dish so memorable and nourishing.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the onions for a rich, savory base.
- Diced onion: Adds subtle sweetness as it cooks and forms the aromatic backbone of the skillet.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein while staying wonderfully juicy and flavorful.
- Chili powder (divided): The essential Southwest spice—use generously for warm, earthy depth.
- Ground cumin: Offers a smoky, nutty undertone and pairs perfectly with chili powder.
- Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper: Enhance all the other flavors—don’t forget to season!
- Grated garlic: Adds zesty punch; grating helps it melt right into the mixture for maximum flavor.
- Peeled and diced sweet potatoes: Natural sweetness and a pop of color; they soak up all the spices as they cook.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring a hint of smokiness and just the right amount of sauciness to bind the skillet together.
- Canned diced green chiles: Mildly spicy and tangy, they turn up the Tex-Mex flavor dial!
- Water: Loosens things up so the sweet potatoes simmer to tender perfection—nothing dry here.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden finish no one can resist.
- Cilantro (optional): The classic, fresh Southwest garnish. Totally optional but highly recommended for brightness!
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is how adaptable it is. Tweak the ingredients or spice level to fit your mood, your pantry, or your family’s favorites—the possibilities are endless!
- Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian take.
- Add beans: A can of black beans or pinto beans stirred in with the sweet potatoes boosts the fiber and adds even more Southwest flair.
- Cheese it up: Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled cotija bring their own cheesy personality.
- Turn up the heat: Toss in a chopped jalapeño along with the onions if you love things spicy, or sprinkle with hot sauce before serving.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and break the beef up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, and season generously with salt and pepper. Once the beef is almost cooked through, grate in the garlic and let it sizzle for one fragrant minute, then transfer everything to a plate and give your skillet a quick wipe.
Step 2: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes
Add the peeled, diced sweet potatoes to the same skillet, followed by the fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, water, the remaining chili powder and cumin, plus a pinch more of salt and pepper. Mix well, cover, and lower the heat to let it all simmer. In about 20 minutes, the sweet potatoes will be fork-tender and coated in all those gorgeous, spicy juices.
Step 3: Combine, Melt, and Serve
Return the cooked beef and onions to the skillet and give everything a hearty stir. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese across the top, cover for another minute or two, and watch as it melts into gooey, golden perfection. Finish with a shower of chopped cilantro if you like, and serve straight from the pan for that cozy, just-cooked comfort.
Pro Tips for Making Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Sweet Potato Sizing: Cut your sweet potato cubes evenly and not too big—about ½-inch pieces ensure they become perfectly tender in just 20 minutes.
- Flavor Layering: Blooming the spices in hot oil with the beef at the start pulls out maximum aroma, so don’t skip those early minutes!
- Cheese Timing: Sprinkle the cheese on right at the end, cover, and let the residual heat do the work for gooey, luscious melting.
- Finishing Touches: Wait until just before serving to add fresh cilantro; it’ll taste brighter and fresher when not overheated.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro instantly boosts brightness and Southwest flavor, but don’t be shy with other toppers: thinly sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a few sliced jalapeños can take your skillet right over the top!
Side Dishes
While this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a full meal on its own, you can pair it with warm tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, or a crisp green salad for extra satisfaction. Cornbread also makes a dreamy side for scooping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the skillet mixture into baked sweet potato halves, serve it taco-style in warm corn tortillas, or layer it as a filling for burrito bowls. The leftovers also make a fabulous topping for nachos or even a Southwestern breakfast hash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet keeps beautifully in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle—sometimes the leftovers are even better the next day!
Freezing
Freeze cooled portions in individual containers for up to 3 months. For the best texture, wait to add the fresh cilantro and cheese until after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, covered, with a splash of water if needed to bring back moisture. Add cheese and cilantro after reheating for that just-made magic!
FAQs
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Can I use Yukon gold or russet potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well if you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes add a unique gentle sweetness and vibrant color, but classic potatoes will deliver a heartier, earthier result.
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Is this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet spicy?
It has a mild, family-friendly level of spice from the chili powder and green chiles. If you want more heat, add fresh jalapeños, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce to suit your taste.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You sure can! Simply leave out the cheddar cheese or swap in your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
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Can I meal prep Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and keeps for several days, making it perfect for lunch prep or dinners throughout the week. Just portion into containers and garnish when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal parts nourishing, comforting, and bursting with flavor, the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Bring everyone to the table—this vibrant, one-pan wonder is ready to delight with every smoky, cheesy, veggie-packed spoonful. Enjoy!
Print
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
For the Sweet Potato Skillet:
- 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
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, crumble the beef, add 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until nearly done, then add garlic.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Skillet: In the same skillet, add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Combine and Serve: Add the beef mixture to the sweet potatoes, top with cheese, cover until melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 486 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 431mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
