Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a vibrant, hearty dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of seasoned lean ground beef with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes—all in one skillet. With just the right touch of chili powder, cumin, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a melty cheddar finish, this one-pan wonder is as simple as it is satisfying. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome, family-friendly meal that delivers comfort, bold flavor, and minimal cleanup. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a recipe that hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish is your go-to solution when you’re craving a quick, wholesome, and flavorful dinner. It’s a well-balanced blend of protein-packed ground beef, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and bold southwestern seasonings—creating a warm, slightly spicy meal that’s both hearty and nourishing.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet (rewritten for clarity):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon minced (grated) garlic
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Brown the Beef & Onions: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Season: Add 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is nearly browned through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the grated garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Combine: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and everything is cooked through, return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet. Stir well to bring all the flavors together.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about a minute.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Evenly dice sweet potatoes for uniform cooking—aim for ½-inch pieces.
- Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Lean beef keeps it light, but other meats or plant-based options work great.
- A dash of smoked paprika can deepen the flavor.
- Don’t skip cleaning the skillet before the second round—it prevents sticking and helps sweet potatoes caramelize.
- Let the cheese melt under the lid for even gooeyness.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Options: You can easily switch out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack, or use vegan cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
- Spice Variations: Try ancho or chipotle chili powder for different flavor profiles.
- Potato Alternatives: Yukon gold or russet potatoes are good swaps for sweet potatoes.
- Top It Off: Avocado, lime juice, sour cream, or tortilla chips add a fun twist.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and easy meal.
- Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 486 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
- Sodium: 431 mg
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 11 g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette.
- Add corn tortillas, white rice, or tortilla chips for more texture.
- Pair with black beans or refried beans.
- Top with pico de gallo, guacamole, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Q: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes—frozen diced sweet potatoes work well. Simply add a few extra minutes to the simmer time, as frozen potatoes may take slightly longer to soften.
Q: Is this recipe gluten‑free?
Absolutely. All core ingredients—beef, sweet potatoes, spices, tomatoes, chiles, and cheese—are naturally gluten-free. Just double‑check that your chili powder and diced tomatoes don’t have hidden gluten-containing additives.
Q: Can I make this in an electric skillet or a slow cooker?
Yes! For an electric skillet, follow the same steps as you would with a stovetop, adjusting the temperature as needed. For a slow cooker, brown the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients (except cheese) and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Add cheese just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have fire‑roasted diced tomatoes?
No problem—regular diced tomatoes work fine. For more depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to mimic that roasted flavor.
Q: How can I lighten this up even more?
Lean protein like ground turkey or turkey breast reduces fat. You can also lower the cheese portion, use a reduced-fat version, or omit it altogether—though, between you and me, that melty cheddar finish really seals the spot-on flavor!
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe! I truly hope you find it as comforting, flavorful, and effortless as I do every time I make it. With its hearty blend of seasoned beef, naturally sweet potatoes, and just the right amount of cheesy indulgence, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. I can’t wait for you to taste the bold southwestern flavors and feel how simple yet nourishing it is to prepare. Cheers to easy cooking, delicious meals, and being part of our wonderful food-loving community—happy skillet cooking!
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a fast, family-friendly dinner packed with bold spices, lean protein, and tender sweet potatoes. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup diced onion
1 lb lean ground beef
5 tsp chili powder, divided
2 tsp ground cumin, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp minced garlic
2 cups peeled, diced sweet potatoes
14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
4 oz can diced green chiles
¼ cup water
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef & Onions: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Season: Add 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is nearly browned through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the grated garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Combine: Once the sweet potatoes are tender and everything is cooked through, return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet. Stir well to bring all the flavors together.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about a minute.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Dice sweet potatoes evenly for faster cooking.
Spice level can be adjusted with cayenne or chipotle powder.
Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used instead of beef.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 40g