Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chiles. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic, then topped with melted cheddar and fresh cilantro, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors for a satisfying dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and lean ground beef. Crumble the beef with a spatula while cooking.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the beef mixture. Continue cooking until the beef is nearly browned through, then add the grated garlic. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables: In the same skillet with the beef mixture pushed aside or temporarily removed, add the peeled and diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), canned diced green chiles, and 1/4 cup water. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Simmer Sweet Potatoes: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Combine Beef and Sweet Potato Mixture: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet if it was set aside. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and flavors.
- Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve the skillet hot for a satisfying Southwest-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
