If you love bold flavors balanced with a comforting touch, then the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is your next kitchen adventure. This vibrant, hearty skillet meal brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, and a medley of smoky, spicy Southwest flavors that instantly warm you from the inside out. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish promises a blend of textures and colors that excite both your eyes and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this dish’s irresistible taste. Every component plays a role—from the rich, savory ground beef to the sweet, soft potatoes that soak up every bit of spice and smoky tomato goodness.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, adds a subtle fruity richness while keeping everything from sticking.
- Diced onion: Brings a mild sweetness and depth as it softens alongside the beef.
- Lean ground beef: Offers hearty protein and a satisfying texture that anchors the dish.
- Chili powder (3 teaspoons, divided): Provides the signature Southwest heat and complexity with layers of smoked paprika and dried chilies.
- Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm aroma that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Grated garlic: Packs a punch of fragrant sharpness to brighten the skillet.
- Peeled and diced sweet potatoes: The star ingredient that softens to a tender sweetness, balancing the spice perfectly.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Infuses smoky, slightly charred tomato flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Canned diced green chiles (4 oz): Adds a mild heat and subtle tang, boosting the authentic Southwest profile.
- Water: Helps create steam and sauce to cook the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for gooey richness and a sharp finish.
- Cilantro (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Begin by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onions, crumbling the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to instantly build a robust Southwest flavor base. Stir occasionally until the beef is nearly fully cooked and onions are translucent, then toss in the grated garlic for a fragrant burst right at the end of this step.
Step 2: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables
Next, add your diced sweet potatoes directly to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and canned green chiles, plus 1/4 cup of water to create a gentle simmer. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder and a dash more cumin, salt, and pepper to layer the spice throughout. Cover the skillet and let everything cook down for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes become tender and soak up the bold flavors in this vibrant mix.
Step 3: Combine, Top, and Melt
Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly soft, stir the browned ground beef mixture back into the skillet, blending all ingredients together for that harmonious Southwest goodness. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and allow the cheese to melt fully into a creamy blanket. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro if you like a bright, herbal accent.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity shines when it comes to garnishes here—fresh cilantro adds a fresh pop of color and an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully when served.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas, a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or even a scoop of creamy avocado to add a cooling contrast to the spice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet as a filling for tacos or tostadas by spooning it onto crispy tortilla shells and adding your favorite toppings. Alternatively, scoop it over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up every last bit of that flavorful sauce for a meal that’s as visually inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze the skillet mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems too thick, and top with fresh cheese or herbs to revive the vibrant experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and offers a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking times to avoid drying it out, and make sure to season well to maintain the bold Southwest flavors.
Are the sweet potatoes essential, or can I substitute with regular potatoes?
Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture that balances the spices beautifully. Regular potatoes can be used, but the flavor profile will be less sweet and more neutral, changing the character of the dish slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check canned ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten additives.
How spicy is this dish?
The chili powder and green chiles give this recipe a nice moderate heat with smoky undertones. You can always adjust the spice level by dialing the chili powder up or down, or by swapping mild green chiles for hotter varieties.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed beans, and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. The sweet potatoes, spices, and tomatoes provide a hearty base that works well without meat.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is the kind of meal that quickly becomes a weeknight favorite. It’s packed with bold, comforting flavors and an easy, hearty assembly that makes cooking feel effortless and rewarding. Give it a try—you’ll soon be sharing this tasty, colorful dish with all your friends and family, savoring every satisfying bite.
Print
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 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 and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this recipe offers a delicious taste of southwestern cuisine in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 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
- Cook the beef and onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Season with 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is nearly done, stirring occasionally. Add grated garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the sweet potatoes with vegetables: To the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, canned green chiles, water, remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and melt cheese: Return the cooked ground beef mixture back into the skillet with the sweet potatoes and vegetables. Stir everything together for even distribution. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet again, and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a satisfying southwest-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh diced tomatoes if fire-roasted canned tomatoes are unavailable.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- This dish stores well and tastes great reheated for leftovers.
