This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, protein-packed meal made in just one pan. Combining seasoned ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and bold Southwestern spices, this dish is both hearty and nutritious. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a filling breakfast with eggs on top!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Easy cleanup and minimal prep.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Full of flavor – Southwestern spices add a delicious kick.
- Versatile – Easily customizable with different proteins and veggies.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (lean or your preferred fat percentage)
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Bell peppers (any color, diced)
- Black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Cook the ground beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables
- Add onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in diced bell peppers and sweet potatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Add seasonings and liquids
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Add diced tomatoes and a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Simmer until tender
- Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are soft.
- Finish with beans and corn
- Stir in black beans and corn, cooking for another 3–5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicier – Add jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Use a different protein – Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Low-carb option – Swap sweet potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini.
- Cheesy version – Top with shredded cheese and melt under the broiler.
- Extra veggies – Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for more nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option.
How do I prevent sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
Cut them into uniform pieces and don’t overcook them.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for extra beans, lentils, or tofu.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh avocado salad.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, it stores well and makes a great make-ahead meal.
How do I make it dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, just skip any cheese toppings.
Can I add more protein?
Yes, black beans and beef already provide protein, but you can add extra beans or eggs.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works, or add a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
How do I keep the dish from drying out?
Add a splash of broth or water if needed while cooking.
Conclusion
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With bold spices, hearty ingredients, and easy customization, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy a delicious one-pan dinner!
Print
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One-Pan Meal, Healthy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex
Description
This one-pan Southwest ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes – Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes begin to soften.
- Add Remaining Ingredients – Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn. Cover and let simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Melt Cheese (Optional) – If using cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and cover for 2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish & Serve – Remove from heat, top with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- For a low-carb version, swap sweet potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.