This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. It’s one of those magical one-pan meals where every bite brings smoky spices, sweet pops of potato, gooey cheddar, and just the right touch of green chile warmth—comfort food with a sunny, Southwestern kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and flavors meld together beautifully.
- Bold Southwestern Flair: Smoky chili powder, sweet potatoes, and green chiles bring fiesta vibes right to your kitchen table.
- Weeknight Fast, Weekend Cozy: Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe feels special enough for Saturday nights but is quick enough for a busy Tuesday.
- Super Satisfying & Flexible: This dish is hearty, packed with protein and veggies, and easy to tweak for your favorite flavors or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list—each item in this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet brings a special something to the table! The beauty lies in how these everyday staples work together to create a dinner that’s colorful, cozy, and crave-worthy.
- Olive oil: Helps everything sizzle and brings a lovely touch of richness to the skillet.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base and depth of flavor as it softens in the pan.
- Lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, giving protein and a savory foundation that soaks up all those Southwest spices.
- Chili powder: The star seasoning—divided for extra layers of flavor and vibrant, smoky heat.
- Ground cumin: Warm, earthy, and essential for that Southwestern essence.
- Kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper: Balances and elevates every element.
- Grated garlic: Infuses the skillet with punchy, aromatic goodness.
- Sweet potatoes: Tender, sweet cubes that contrast perfectly with the spice and beef, plus a gorgeous pop of color.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds juicy acidity and subtle smokiness—so much flavor in one can!
- Diced green chiles: Just the right amount of tangy heat and Southwestern personality.
- Water: Keeps things moist while simmering the sweet potatoes to tenderness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for a creamy, oozy finish you’ll want in every bite.
- Cilantro (optional): Bright, fresh, and the perfect final flourish if you love a little herbal freshness.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is how easy it is to personalize. Don’t hesitate to get creative—swap out ingredients, turn up (or down) the heat, or layer on fresh extras to match what you have or love most!
- Make it dairy-free: Simply omit the cheese or use your favorite plant-based cheddar for a completely dairy-free meal.
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground “meat” all work beautifully as a substitute for beef.
- Add more veggies: Toss in corn, black beans, bell peppers, or even spinach to give the skillet extra color and nutrients.
- Control the spice: Use mild or hot green chiles, or add a dash of cayenne if you want to bring really bold heat!
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and lean ground beef, then crumble the meat with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in some of the chili powder, cumin, and season generously with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nearly browned—this layering means flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Finish Browning
Once the beef is almost cooked through, toss in the grated garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen! Remove the beef mixture to a plate and wipe out any excess fat from the skillet—it’s time to work on those sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes right to the same skillet, then pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, water, and the rest of the chili powder and cumin. Stir everything together to coat, pop a lid on, lower the heat, and let it all simmer. In about 20 minutes, the sweet potatoes should be tender and mingle perfectly with those Southwest flavors.
Step 4: Stir in Beef and Top with Cheese
Slide the cooked ground beef mixture back into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sweet potato mixture. Scatter the shredded cheddar over the top and cover for another minute—or until the cheese forms a gorgeous, melty blanket. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve it straight from the skillet for maximum coziness!
Pro Tips for Making Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Maximize Sweet Potato Texture: Dice sweet potatoes into even, bite-sized cubes so they cook through without turning mushy—aim for tender but still holding their shape.
- Flavor-Layering Secret: Dividing the chili powder and cumin between the beef and the simmering veggies ensures deep, complex flavor in every mouthful.
- Cheese Melt Perfection: For best results, shred your own cheddar from a block so it’ll melt smoothly and give the skillet that irresistible oozy top.
- Use a Big Skillet: Choose a large, deep skillet to avoid overcrowding—this lets each ingredient brown properly and brings everything together beautifully at the end.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A shower of fresh cilantro over the top adds brightness and a pop of green. You could also finish your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime, or creamy avocado for an extra boost of freshness and color. If you love a little zing, a dollop of sour cream is always welcome!
Side Dishes
This skillet is quite complete by itself, but it’s wonderful with warm flour or corn tortillas—perfect for scooping up every last bite. For something green, a crisp salad with a citrusy vinaigrette adds nice contrast, or try serving it alongside black beans or Mexican-style rice for an especially hearty, Southwest-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Dish it up straight from the skillet family-style, or serve individual portions in shallow bowls with all your favorite toppings lined up for a “Southwest bar” night. For fun party fare, spoon the mixture into lettuce wraps or crisp taco shells—kids and grownups alike will love the build-your-own vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—making it a dream for lunches and fast dinners.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this skillet! Spoon the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results; the texture of the sweet potatoes will be softer but still delicious in reheated meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If things look a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and revive that just-cooked texture.
FAQs
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Can I make the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work wonderfully in this recipe. You’ll get all the same fabulous Southwest flavor, just with a lighter protein. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as chicken and turkey can cook a bit quicker than beef.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is great for meal prep. You can cook the whole dish, let it cool, then refrigerate for easy meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors only get better the next day.
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Are there ways to make this recipe spicier or milder?
Definitely! For a spicier dish, use hot green chiles, extra chili powder, or even a pinch of cayenne. To keep things milder, stick with mild green chiles and reduce the chili powder to your comfort level—everyone at the table can enjoy it their way.
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How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
The key is to dice the sweet potatoes evenly and simmer them just until fork-tender (about 20 minutes). Avoid overcooking and keep an eye on texture—they should hold their shape and bring a lovely bite to the finished skillet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both exciting and comforting, Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet truly delivers every time. It’s unfussy, lively, and seriously delicious—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy night in. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it part of your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish that combines ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 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 the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, crumble the beef, and season with 3 teaspoons of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until nearly done, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, combine diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Combine and Serve: Return the ground beef mixture to the skillet with sweet potatoes, stir together. Top with shredded cheese, cover until melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 472mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
