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Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet features a vibrant blend of seasoned ground beef, diced sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, and colorful bell peppers cooked in a skillet for a healthy and delicious one-pan meal.
Lady Maria

Southwest Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet

This Southwest Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal packed with flavor and nutrients. It combines savory ground beef with the sweetness of sweet potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of Southwestern spices, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped any color
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, salsa, lime wedges

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • spoon
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Lid for skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
  6. 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.
  7. Add the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  8. 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.
  9. Taste the skillet and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  10. Serve the Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet hot, topped with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. This skillet is also great with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or more beans.