Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is my go-to fix when dinner needs to happen fast and nobody feels like washing a ton of dishes. Beefy rich and zesty it is ready in a half hour and packed with comforting flavors from smoky chili powder and tender sweet potatoes. Even the picky eaters in my house circle back for seconds every time.

I whipped this up one rushed weeknight after finding a lone sweet potato in my pantry and it disappeared so fast everyone asked when I could make it again

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking Choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Diced onion: Classic aromatics for a savory base Go for yellow onion for extra sweetness
• Lean ground beef: Hearty and filling Choose ninety percent lean for less grease
• Chili powder: Smoky kick to build Southwest flavor Look for fresh deep red powder
• Ground cumin: Earthy warmth and a Tex Mex vibe Buy whole seeds and grind for boldest taste
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings Use freshly cracked pepper if you can
• Grated garlic: Sweet pungency and depth Fresher cloves mean stronger flavor
• Peeled and diced sweet potatoes: Creamy texture and natural sweet balance Choose ones with bright orange flesh
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Smokiness and tang Pick a brand with visible char marks
• Canned diced green chiles: Gentle heat and flavor enhancement Milder or spicy depending on your preference
• Water: Helps everything simmer evenly Use filtered for cleanest taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Creamy melted topping Go for sharp cheese and shred it yourself for best melting
• Cilantro: Fresh herbal lift and classic Southwest finish Only use if you like its flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef and Onions:

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat Once shimmering add the ground beef and diced onion Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks Sprinkle in three teaspoons of chili powder and half the cumin plus a generous pinch of salt and cracked black pepper Let everything cook together until the beef is almost fully browned about six to eight minutes

Add the Garlic:

When the beef is nearly cooked add the grated garlic Stir well and let it cook for just one minute This releases the garlic flavor without burning it Transfer the mixture onto a plate and set aside Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel

Cook the Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes:

In the same skillet add the diced sweet potatoes fire roasted tomatoes diced green chiles water remaining chili powder and the rest of the cumin plus more salt and pepper Stir carefully to combine Put a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat to low Let it simmer for about twenty minutes Stir halfway through The sweet potatoes are ready when you can pierce them with a fork

Combine and Melt the Cheese:

Return the ground beef mixture to the skillet with the tender sweet potatoes Gently mix everything together making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed Scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the top Cover with the lid again Leave it for another minute or until the cheese fully melts and turns gooey

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the skillet for brightness Serve the dish hot right from the pan or portion into shallow bowls for a cozy family meal

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The fire roasted tomatoes bring a smoky twist that brightens the whole skillet When I add extra fresh cilantro at the end it instantly reminds me of warm family gatherings around the dinner table with everyone digging in together

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For easiest reheating use a skillet on medium low adding a splash of water as needed You can also freeze cooled portions flat in freezer bags When ready to eat thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a leaner option Try black beans instead of meat for a vegetarian version Swap out cheddar for pepper jack if you like extra heat No sweet potatoes Try Yukon gold potatoes though you will lose a bit of natural sweetness

Serving Suggestions

This skillet stands alone but a side of warm tortillas adds even more fun Sometimes I spoon leftovers over brown rice or toss everything inside lettuce cups for a fresh crunchy twist Top with avocado lime wedges or extra cheese for an entirely new meal

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Southwest Roots

Southwest cooking is all about bold spices and cozy family style meals Chili powder and cumin are two signature flavors used throughout Texas and New Mexico cuisine This dish channels that spirit while keeping things simple enough for any busy weeknight

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef and will still blend nicely with the spices and vegetables in this dish.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use hot green chiles or serve with sliced jalapeños on top.

→ Is this skillet suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

→ Can I make it dairy-free?

Simply omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this meal dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

This skillet is hearty on its own but pairs nicely with a simple green salad, warm tortillas, or a side of black beans.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this meal freezes well. Store in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.