Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor, you’ve got to try this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet! It’s one of those magical one-pan wonders that makes dinner feel effortless and exciting. Picture this: savory ground beef sautéed with tender sweet potatoes, vibrant veggies, and a kick of southwestern spices, all coming together in just about 35 minutes. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that not only tastes amazing but also minimizes cleanup? Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Plus, it’s packed with goodness, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (choose lean for less grease)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 onion, chopped (any color works, but I love yellow for its sweetness)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or green—pick your favorite!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, if you ask me!)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (a great source of protein)
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned (adds a lovely sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing and flavor)
How to Prepare Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, let’s get that olive oil sizzling! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a shimmer on the surface—perfect for sautéing those veggies!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re nice and soft. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s just the beginning of something amazing!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ground Beef
Next up, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute—just enough time for that garlicky goodness to bloom. Then, add in your 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly browned.
Step 4: Mix in Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Now it’s time to bring in the star of the dish—those diced sweet potatoes! Add them to the skillet along with 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well, making sure those spices coat the sweet potatoes evenly. Yum!
Step 5: Add Beans and Corn
Next, stir in the black beans and corn, making sure everything is combined thoroughly. This is where the colorful magic happens—your skillet will be bursting with vibrant hues!
Step 6: Cook Until Tender
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the sweet potatoes to become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors. Don’t forget to pop in every now and then to give it a stir!
Step 7: Serve Hot
Once everything is tender and ready, it’s time to serve! Dish out generous portions while it’s still hot. I love to top mine with creamy avocado or a sprinkle of cheese for that extra touch. Enjoy every single bite—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: With a delightful blend of southwestern spices, each bite is bursting with flavor!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from sweet potatoes and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal.
- One-Pan Cleanup: Since everything cooks in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze—more time for you to relax!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or tweak the spices to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
Oh boy, let me share some of my favorite tips to make this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet even more amazing! First off, don’t be afraid to play around with the spices. If you like it spicier, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Conversely, if you’re serving little ones or prefer milder flavors, you can tone down the chili powder a bit. Trust me, you can totally customize this dish to suit your family’s preferences!
Another tip is to add extra veggies if you have them on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or even diced tomatoes can make great additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re adding more ingredients, so everything cooks evenly. And speaking of adjustments, feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option—just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Now, let’s talk toppings! I highly recommend serving this skillet with creamy avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of richness. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions can also brighten up the dish. And who could resist a little shredded cheese on top? It melts beautifully over the warm skillet, adding that delightful cheesy goodness.
Lastly, if you want a more filling meal, serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa, or even some tortilla chips for a fun twist! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so exciting. Enjoy experimenting, and remember, the best part is making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about how to keep those delicious southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet leftovers! If you have any extras (which is totally likely because it’s so good!), let them cool down a bit before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well so it keeps all that yummy flavor locked in!
Now, if you want to keep it for a longer time, you can absolutely freeze it! Just scoop the leftovers into a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results. This way, it’ll reheat beautifully!
To reheat, you can pop it back in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through. It usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate and heat it in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between. Just be careful—microwaves can make it a bit steamy!
And don’t forget, if you’re reheating, it’s a great time to add a fresh touch! A little dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can elevate those leftovers and make them feel brand new. Enjoy your next meal just as much as the first!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
It’s important to note that the nutritional information provided for this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the fat content of the ground beef, the size of the sweet potatoes, and any additional toppings can alter the final nutritional values. For the most accurate results, I always recommend checking the labels of your specific ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and remember that the flavors are what truly matter!
FAQ Section
Can I use sweet potatoes that are already peeled and diced?
Absolutely! If you can find pre-peeled and diced sweet potatoes, it’ll save you some prep time. Just make sure they’re similar in size for even cooking.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even a plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian option! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may vary slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to the cooking stage and store it in the fridge for a day. Just sauté the veggies and brown the meat before adding everything together when you’re ready to cook.
How spicy is this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet?
It’s customizable! The chili powder adds a nice warmth, but if you prefer it milder, you can reduce the amount or use mild chili powder. For more kick, feel free to add some diced jalapeños!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just portion it out in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners!
For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on cooking ground beef, you can refer to this Food Network guide.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, visit our Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet page.
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Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A one-pan dish featuring ground beef and sweet potatoes with southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers, and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, and cook until browned.
- Stir in sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add black beans and corn, and mix well.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spices according to taste.
- Top with avocado or cheese if desired.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of skillet
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet
