Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a bold, wholesome one-pan meal that’s loaded with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients. I sauté seasoned ground beef with tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of southwestern spices—all in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty, colorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish is both healthy and filling. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the spiced beef, and everything comes together in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean. It’s a complete meal with protein, fiber, and veggies all in one bite, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• Olive oil

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Black beans, drained and rinsed

• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• Corn (frozen or canned)

• Chili powder

• Cumin

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (optional for serving)

Directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced sweet potatoes until they start to soften, about 8–10 minutes.

2. I add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

3. Next, I stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through.

4. I season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure everything is coated.

5. I mix in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, then let everything simmer together for another 5–10 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

6. Before serving, I top it all with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a pop of freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to make, from prep to plate.

Variations

• I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.

• For a spicier kick, I add jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

• I like topping the skillet with shredded cheese and letting it melt before serving.

• To stretch the meal, I serve it over rice or with warm tortillas.

• I’ve also added spinach or kale at the end for a veggie boost.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. It also freezes well—I portion it out, freeze in containers, and just thaw and reheat for an easy future meal.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, I just skip the beef and double up on the beans or add cooked lentils for a protein-rich meatless version.

How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

I dice them evenly and sauté them just until tender. I avoid overcooking during the final simmer to maintain some bite.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I often make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners—it reheats beautifully.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

I wouldn’t. They tend to be too soft for this skillet and can turn mushy. Fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture.

What toppings go well with this dish?

I love topping it with avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Conclusion

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is one of my favorite all-in-one meals. It’s flavorful, colorful, and so easy to throw together with simple ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, it always hits the spot with its mix of bold spices and hearty textures.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Southwest, American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a healthy, one-pan dinner packed with bold southwestern spices, ground beef, sweet potatoes, and hearty vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a colorful family dinner.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 8–10 minutes, until starting to soften.

2. Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.

5. Mix in black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

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Notes

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Add jalapeños or chipotle in adobo for more heat.
• Top with shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream before serving.
• Serve over rice or with tortillas to stretch the meal.
• Stir in spinach or kale near the end for extra greens.