Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Ready to shake up your dinner routine? This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is bold, colorful, and absolutely irresistible! With juicy ground beef, smoky spices, creamy sweet potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese—all in one comforting pan—this meal packs big flavor with very little fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how these everyday ingredients come together to create something so vibrant! Each one brings a special touch—whether that’s savory depth, silky richness, or a gentle kick of heat—to your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet.

• Olive oil: For browning the beef and adding a hint of richness to the base of the skillet.
• Diced onion: Provides a sweet aromatic backbone that brings everything together.
• Lean ground beef: The protein star—choose lean for a lighter meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Chili powder and ground cumin: The dynamic duo responsible for those unmistakable Southwest notes.
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors so they pop.
• Grated garlic: Just a touch lifts the whole skillet with savory depth.
• Sweet potatoes: Tender, naturally sweet, and loaded with color—these are a hearty swap for regular potatoes.
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring mild smokiness and juicy brightness to the mix.
• Diced green chiles: Adds mild heat and tangy Southwestern flair without being overpowering.
• Water: Just enough to help everything simmer to perfection.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts gloriously over the top for that gooey, craveworthy finish.
• Cilantro (optional): A fresh sprinkle at the end for a pop of green and herby flavor.

Variations

If you love to make a recipe your very own, you’ll adore how flexible this skillet is! With a quick swap or two, you can suit it to whatever you’ve got in the pantry or any special dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, just-as-tasty twist.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini to boost the color and nutrition.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based option for a creamy, melty finish without the dairy.
• Turn Up the Heat: If you crave some serious spice, add a diced jalapeño or use hot green chiles instead of mild.

How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in your diced onion and ground beef, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon so it browns evenly. Sprinkle in a generous portion of chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. As the beef cooks, it’ll soak up all those incredible spices, laying an ultra-flavorful foundation for your skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Just as the beef is almost cooked through, stir in the grated garlic. Sauté for about a minute—just long enough for the aroma to bloom, but not so long that it scorches. Then, transfer the beef mixture to a plate and give your skillet a quick wipe—even just a paper towel pass will do!

Step 3: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes

Add the diced sweet potatoes right into the same skillet, followed by the fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, a splash of water, the rest of your chili powder and cumin, plus more salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir, pop a lid on top, and let the mixture simmer on low heat. This is when the sweet potatoes soften and soak up all that spicy, tangy goodness—usually about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, add the beef mixture back to the pan and mix until everything is evenly combined. Sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for another minute or two. The cheese will melt into irresistible pools, making every scoop the ultimate Southwest comfort bite. Top with plenty of chopped cilantro if you like, and serve!

How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

This dish begs for a flourish of toppings! I love fresh cilantro, a scattering of sliced green onions, or even a dollop of cool sour cream. Try a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños for a fiery finish, or a squeeze of lime to wake up all the flavors in your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is plenty hearty on its own, a side of warm flour or corn tortillas makes it even more shareable. Pair with a quick green salad (think romaine, radishes, avocado, and some fresh lime)—or maybe tortilla chips for scooping up all that cheesy, saucy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet straight from the pan family-style, or spoon it into individual bowls piled high with toppings. For a fun twist, use leftovers to fill baked sweet potatoes, stuff bell peppers, or even roll into burritos or quesadillas for meal-prep magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra skillet goodness should be cooled slightly, then transferred to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or another night when you need a break from cooking.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this meal! Just be sure to cool completely before packing into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture—especially for those sweet potatoes.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet gently in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. The microwave works for individual portions—just cover to keep things steamy and prevent splatters!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, craveable meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love, you truly can’t go wrong with this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Give it a try on your next busy weeknight—or any time you want a burst of bold Southwest flavor right from your pan. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share with someone who could use a little extra comfort food joy!

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