I can still picture my grandma bustling around her tiny kitchen, humming a tune as she prepared our family dinners. One dish that always stood out was her take on a Southwest-inspired meal – hearty, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It wasn’t quite the same as today’s Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet, but it certainly inspired my love for those vibrant flavors. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet you’ll ever make!
Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal: Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Get ready, because this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure! This Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. It’s quick, easy, packed with flavor, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it to your liking. Trust me, this will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. I know it has in mine!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Skillet
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax!
- Nutrient-Packed: Sweet potatoes, ground beef, and veggies – it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Delicious: The perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, the list is simple and straightforward.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (80/20 is my go-to for flavor and moisture, but you can use leaner if you prefer)
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1, any color, chopped (I love using a mix of red and yellow for vibrancy!)
- Corn: 1 cup, frozen or canned (drained)
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), undrained
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference)
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon
- Oregano: ½ teaspoon
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, green onions, salsa, lime wedges
Ingredient Spotlight: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish! They add a wonderful sweetness and creamy texture that perfectly complements the savory ground beef and spices. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Make sure to dice them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get started! I’ll walk you through each step to create the perfect Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This is a really important step for developing flavor – don’t rush it!
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly. This gives them a head start so they cook through evenly with the other ingredients.
- Spice it Up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma. This is where the magic happens!
- Combine Everything: Add the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the skillet and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet hot, topped with your favorite toppings. I love shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime!
Pro Tip: Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet!
If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to cook the ground beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and cause the beef to steam instead of brown properly. You want that beautiful, flavorful browning!
Variations and Customization
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of black beans or kidney beans for a vegetarian-friendly option. You could also add some crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Grain-Free: This recipe is naturally grain-free!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Cheese Please: I’m a big fan of cheese, so I often add a generous amount of shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt and get all gooey.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic served in a variety of ways.
- Tacos or Burritos: Spoon the skillet mixture into tortillas for delicious tacos or burritos.
- Salad Topper: Use it as a topping for a fresh green salad.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the skillet mixture and bake until tender.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the skillet mixture and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This skillet is perfect for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the skillet up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Storage: Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you’re looking for other delicious Southwest inspired recipes, be sure to check out my recipe for CROCKPOT MEXICAN STREET CORN SOUP. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. Or, if you’re in the mood for something with chicken, my BBQ CHICKEN SWEET POTATO BLISS is another winner, combining the sweetness of sweet potatoes with smoky BBQ flavors.
For a fun and family-friendly option, try my DORITO TACO RICE BOWL. It’s always a hit with kids! If you are looking for a great pasta dish, I suggest my MEXICAN STREET CORN PASTA. Also consider trying my refreshing MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD. Finally, for a quick and easy meal, be sure to check out my STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL recipe.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even the best cooks encounter hiccups sometimes! Here are a few common issues and how to fix them.
- Sweet Potatoes Not Cooking Through: If the sweet potatoes are taking longer than expected to cook, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet and cover it tightly. This will help steam them and speed up the cooking process.
- Skillet is Too Dry: If the skillet looks dry, add a little bit of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Skillet is Too Spicy: If you accidentally added too much chili powder, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to help cool it down. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Skillet!
There you have it! Your very own Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet, ready to impress. I know you’re going to absolutely love this recipe. It’s so simple, so delicious, and so versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to find your perfect combination. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking, my friend! I know you’ll create something amazing.
What are some ways I can customize the Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?
You can customize the spice level by adjusting the chili powder, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo, make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding more beans, add different vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or add cheese.
How long can I store leftover Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?
You can store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container after it has cooled.
What can I do if the sweet potatoes are not cooking through properly?
If the sweet potatoes are taking longer than expected to cook, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet, cover it tightly, and allow it to steam, which will help speed up the cooking process.
Can I make this skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the skillet up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Southwest Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the skillet and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve the Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet hot, topped with your favorite toppings.
