Created on November 7th, 2025 at 03:50 pm
A hearty one-pan meal bursting with flavor
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a delightful medley of textures and tastes. This recipe combines the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the richness of ground beef, all blended with vibrant spices. As it cooks, the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness that is about to unfold. The colorful dish features tender sweet potato cubes, savory beef, and bright bell peppers, all nicely balanced with warm spices. It’s a complete meal that feels comforting any day of the week, especially on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of this skillet dish is its balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory beef, creating a satisfying contrast that is both comforting and dynamic. The spices add warmth without overwhelming the palate. This dish is also remarkably simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just one pan is required, minimizing cleanup and maximizing ease. The leftovers offer a wonderful flavor boost the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick lunches.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Optional: avocado slices for serving
Kitchen Tools
This skillet recipe utilizes essential kitchen tools to keep preparation efficient and enjoyable. You’ll find that having the right tools at hand makes the cooking process smooth and straightforward.
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, and then transfer the beef to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its fragrance to fill the air.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring them with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Return the ground beef to the skillet and introduce the diced red bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine all the ingredients and coat them with the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for about 10 more minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Check occasionally and stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado if using.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider using a gluten-free taco seasoning blend.
- Let the sweet potatoes cook until a little crispy — this adds texture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- This skillet dish can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully.
- Experiment with toppings like fresh lime juice for a bright finishing touch.
Comfort on a Plate
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet encapsulates the heartiness and warmth of home-cooked meals. The combination of savory beef and sweet potatoes results in a nutritious dish that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. This meal is perfect for bringing family together and fosters a sense of comfort and shared moments around the table. With its straightforward preparation and bold flavors, you’ll find this skillet wonder becoming a staple in your home kitchen.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
For the skillet
- 1 Tbsp olive oil for cooking
- 1 lb ground beef preferably lean
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth low-sodium
Optional garnishes
- fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
- avocado slices for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, and then transfer the beef to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its fragrance to fill the air.
Cooking
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring them with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Return the ground beef to the skillet and introduce the diced red bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine all the ingredients and coat them with the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for about 10 more minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Check occasionally and stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado if using.
Notes
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