Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan wonder combines tender sweet potatoes, lean ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and just the right amount of spice for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a wholesome dish for the whole family, this skillet delivers big on taste and minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and full of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and filling. The bold Southwest spices blend perfectly with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while the fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles add a smoky kick. The melty cheddar cheese topping takes it over the top, making it a comfort food classic with a healthy twist. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy with your family.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ cup diced onion
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1 pound lean ground beef
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5 teaspoons chili powder (divided)
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon grated garlic
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2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
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1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
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1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
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¼ cup water
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
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Cook the beef – Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Season with 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, plus salt and pepper. Cook until almost browned, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Simmer the sweet potatoes – In the same skillet, combine the sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, the remaining chili powder and cumin, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat. Let it cook gently for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
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Combine & melt cheese – Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet and stir well. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let the cheese melt for 1–2 minutes.
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Serve & garnish – Finish with fresh cilantro if desired, then serve hot.
Helpful Tips
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Cut sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same speed.
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Adjust spice levels by adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
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Use a lid while simmering to lock in moisture and speed up cooking.
Substitutions and Variations
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Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
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Vegetarian option: Replace beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty meatless meal.
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Cheese options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra Southwest flair.
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Add-ins: Toss in black beans, corn, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrients.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Allow to cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 365
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sodium: 680mg
Serving Suggestions
This skillet is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
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Warm tortillas for scooping.
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Crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
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Mexican rice or quinoa to make it a heartier meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this skillet up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, but make sure to scrub them well if you keep the skin.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños for a bigger kick.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by and giving this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet a try! It’s truly one of my favorite weeknight dinners—simple, nourishing, and bursting with bold flavors every time. I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen, too. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick and hearty 30-minute one-pan meal loaded with tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese. A flavorful family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup diced onion
1 pound lean ground beef
5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon grated garlic
2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
¼ cup water
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the beef – Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Season with 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, plus salt and pepper. Cook until almost browned, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Simmer the sweet potatoes – In the same skillet, combine the sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, the remaining chili powder and cumin, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat. Let it cook gently for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
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Combine & melt cheese – Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet and stir well. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let the cheese melt for 1–2 minutes.
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Serve & garnish – Finish with fresh cilantro if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
Cut sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes for faster, even cooking.
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with black beans or lentils
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 365
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 25g