If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and easy weeknight comfort, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It beautifully marries the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the smoky, spicy punch of seasoned ground beef, all cooked up in one skillet with fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles that bring a lively Southwestern flair. The melty cheddar cheese topping and fresh cilantro garnish add that perfect finishing touch, making this dish as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and approachable, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this skillet dish truly special. From the tender sweet potatoes adding subtle sweetness and softness, to the bold spices defining its Southwest character, every element contributes to a delicious harmony.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon to gently sauté and bring out the flavors of your aromatics and beef without overpowering them.
- Diced onion: Half a cup provides sweetness and that essential base flavor, caramelizing slightly for depth.
- Lean ground beef: One pound for hearty protein that keeps this dish fulfilling and rich.
- Chili powder (3 teaspoons, divided): This spice brings warmth and an authentic Southwestern kick.
- Ground cumin: One teaspoon adds an earthy, slightly smoky undertone that elevates the dish.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: To taste, balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- Grated garlic: A teaspoon for aromatic pungency and depth.
- Diced sweet potatoes: Two cups, peeled and diced, giving a tender, naturally sweet counterpoint to the savory beef.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: One 14.5 ounce can infuses a smoky, slightly charred flavor and juicy texture.
- Canned diced green chiles: Four ounces to add mild heat and an extra vegetable boost.
- Water: A quarter cup to help the sweet potatoes cook through perfectly while keeping everything moist.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Half a cup sprinkled on top for a creamy, melty finish.
- Cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a burst of color that brightens every bite.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef, breaking up the meat with your spoon or spatula. Season with 3 teaspoons of chili powder, the cumin, plus salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook everything together until the beef is nearly browned but still juicy. Just before removing from heat, stir in the grated garlic to release its fragrance without burning it.
Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Now it’s time to bring the sweet potatoes into the mix. In the same skillet (no need to dirty another pan!), add your diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, canned green chiles, and the quarter cup of water. Sprinkle in the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, a pinch more cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let this simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and infused with all those smoky, spicy flavors.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Once the sweet potatoes have softened, fold the cooked ground beef mixture back into the skillet, stirring everything together so those savory and sweet components mix beautifully. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and let it melt to gooey perfection. When the cheese is melted and bubbling, you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top adds a crisp, herbaceous brightness that lifts the dish perfectly. If you like a little extra pizzazz, try a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for freshness or warm corn tortillas for scooping. You could also serve it alongside black beans or a simple guacamole for a more substantial Southwestern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your skillet into a taco filling by adding some crunchy slaw on top, or use the mixture as a hearty topping for baked potatoes. Even stuffing it inside bell peppers and baking them wraps this recipe in a new, beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more—when reheated.
Freezing
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your skillet meal gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lean ground beef is traditional here, ground turkey or chicken work well if you prefer a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust seasoning slightly as these meats can have a milder flavor.
Are sweet potatoes essential to the recipe?
Sweet potatoes add a wonderful natural sweetness and creaminess that balances the spices, but you can swap them for regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a similar effect.
How spicy is this dish?
This skillet has a mild to moderate heat level due to the chili powder and green chiles. If you want it spicier, feel free to add extra chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or black beans for protein, and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and hearty option for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply comforting and endlessly satisfying about this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. It wraps up warmth, spice, and wholesome goodness into one beautifully simple dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how quickly it earns a spot in your dinner rotation — it’s definitely a keeper!
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 American
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, spicy seasonings, tender sweet potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner that offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and bold Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
Seasonings and Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and lean ground beef. Crumble the beef thoroughly and season with 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the beef is almost fully cooked through, then add the grated garlic and stir well to combine.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: To the same skillet, add the peeled and diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), canned diced green chiles, and 1/4 cup of water. Season with the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet if it was removed. Stir everything together evenly. Top the skillet with shredded cheddar cheese, cover again, and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a comforting and delicious Southwest-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Adjust chili powder amount to taste for desired heat level.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth; regular diced tomatoes can be substituted if unavailable.
- The dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring all canned ingredients have no added gluten-containing thickeners or additives.
- For extra creaminess, you can stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving.
