Sometimes, the best recipes come from unexpected moments in the kitchen. I vividly remember the day I accidentally created this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. It was one of those nights—I wanted to impress my friends with a fancy dinner, but somewhere along the way, I got flustered and ended up tossing everything into one skillet. I braced myself for disaster, but to my surprise, it turned out to be a delicious, hearty meal that everyone loved.
This recipe has since become a staple in my household. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with bold Southwest flavors that make it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, which means fewer dishes (and more time to relax).
Let me walk you through how to make this simple yet flavor-packed dish, with plenty of tips and tricks along the way!
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, clean-up is a breeze.
- Bold Southwest Flavors: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and green chiles creates a zesty, smoky flavor profile that’s irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, hearty combination of ground beef and sweet potatoes.
- Nutrient-Packed: Sweet potatoes bring a dose of vitamins and fiber, while lean ground beef provides protein to keep you satisfied.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe works great as a main dish, taco filling, or even a topping for nachos.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 hearty portions
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Yellow Onion: ½ cup, diced
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound (preferably 90/10% grass-fed)
- Chili Powder: 5 teaspoons, divided
- Ground Cumin: 2 teaspoons, divided
- Garlic: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 cups, peeled and diced
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces)
- Diced Green Chiles: 1 can (4 ounces)
- Water: ¼ cup
- Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup, shredded
- Cilantro: For garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Beef and Onions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Toss in the diced yellow onion and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef in spices.
- When the beef is nearly cooked through, add the grated garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a plate and set it aside for later.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (including their juices), diced green chiles, and water.
- Sprinkle in the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check the sweet potatoes—they should be tender but not mushy. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Combine and Melt the Cheese
- Return the cooked beef and onion mixture to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve the skillet hot as is, or get creative with these serving ideas:
- Spoon it over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- Pair it with a side salad and some tortilla chips for a fun dinner spread.
Tips for Success
- Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, drain it after cooking to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Dice the sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Don’t Skip the Lid: Covering the skillet while cooking the sweet potatoes helps trap steam, ensuring they cook through without drying out.
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your spice labels to ensure there are no additives containing gluten.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier, creamier finish.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor boost.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: Let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking and easy clean-up.
- Wooden Spoon: For breaking up the ground beef without scratching your skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work beautifully in this recipe.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
Regular diced tomatoes will work in a pinch, but fire-roasted ones add a smoky depth that elevates the dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the beef and sweet potato mixture in advance. When ready to serve, reheat and add the cheese just before serving.
Can I skip the cheese?
Yes! While the cheese adds richness, the dish is still delicious without it.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Use a skillet over medium heat to reheat leftovers evenly. You can also microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that brings big flavors with minimal effort. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again because it checks all the boxes: easy to make, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Whether it’s the perfectly seasoned ground beef, the tender sweet potatoes, or that irresistible layer of melted cheddar cheese, there’s something in every bite to love.
The best part? This dish is versatile enough to fit into a variety of meal plans. Need a quick dinner for a busy weeknight? This skillet is ready in just 30 minutes. Looking for a dish to meal-prep? It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Plus, it’s family-friendly, meaning even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
I truly hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home like it has in mine. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. And because it’s made with wholesome ingredients, you can feel great about serving it to your loved ones.
When you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with me! I’d love to see your version and hear how you’ve made it your own. Whether you stick to the original or add your own creative twist, I know it’ll be amazing. You can tag me on social media, share your tips and tweaks, or leave a comment below.
Let’s keep spreading the joy of cooking, one skillet meal at a time. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious meals ahead!
Print
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet: A Happy Accident Turned Family Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A one-pan dinner that’s quick, hearty, and loaded with bold Southwest flavors. Sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese come together for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10%)
- 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and ground beef. Season with 3 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and salt/pepper. Cook until beef is browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), diced green chiles, water, and remaining chili powder and cumin. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Return beef mixture to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Cover until cheese melts.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a variation.
- Serve as a taco filling, over rice, or with a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest