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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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  • Author: clara
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Sauté Aromatics – Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Melt Cheese (Optional) – If using cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and cover for 2 minutes until melted.
  6. 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.