Wholesome and colorful, our Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet comes together easily with lean beef and earthy sweet potatoes. Sautéing until the potatoes soften creates a satisfying texture, while southwest spices infuse every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a complete one-pan meal your family will ask for again and again.
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Ingredients for Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet
For the skillet
- Ground Beef – Lean works best here to keep things from getting too greasy.
- Olive Oil – Just enough to get everything sizzling nicely.
- Yellow Onion – Finely chopped so it melts right into the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper – Diced for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Garlic – Freshly minced makes all the difference.
- Chili Powder – The backbone of that Southwest flavor.
- Cumin – Warm and earthy, don’t skip it.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds that irresistible depth.
- Salt – Balances everything out.
- Black Pepper – Just a pinch for a little kick.
- Sweet Potato – Cubed small so it cooks through perfectly.
- Black Beans – Drained and rinsed to keep the texture just right.
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles – A can of Rotel brings the perfect zing.
- Beef Broth – Or water in a pinch, but broth adds more richness.
For topping
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Shredded and melted over the top is pure comfort.
- Cilantro – Freshly chopped for a bright, herby finish.
Cook Time for Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
I love how this savory spiced ground beef with sweet potatoes comes together so quickly on busy nights. You’ll spend just 15 minutes prepping everything before it all simmers away in the pan. The total time from start to finish is only 45 minutes, making this a true weeknight lifesaver.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy sweet potatoes throughout the week, check out my homemade sweet potato chips recipe for a crispy snack everyone loves.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one pound of lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add one finely chopped yellow onion and one diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in two minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Sprinkle two teaspoons of chili powder, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper over the mixture. Stir well for one minute to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated and the spices are aromatic.
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add one large peeled and diced sweet potato, one can of drained and rinsed black beans, one can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (including their juices), and 1/2 cup of beef broth to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato cubes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with two tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro before serving. This hearty skillet meal with black beans is now ready to enjoy straight from the pan!
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet even more delicious. Here are my favorite ways to customize this versatile dish to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
- Flavor Swap: If you’re out of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken instead. The spices work beautifully with poultry too, creating a lighter but equally flavorful version of this easy ground beef skillet.
- Diet Tweak: For a dairy-free option, simply skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based alternative. The dish still tastes wonderful with all those southwest spices shining through.
- Prep Fix: To ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly, try to cut them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. This little attention to detail makes a big difference in the final texture of your one pan sweet potato creation.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep everything moist. For more make-ahead inspiration, check out my sweet potato black bean salad that also stores well.
If you love the combination of southwest flavors and sweet potatoes, you might also enjoy my Southwest sweet potato black bean dip for your next gathering – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large sweet potato about 1 pound, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 can black beans 15-ounce, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles 10-ounce, such as Rotel
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
Method
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir for 1 minute until all ingredients are well coated and the spices are fragrant.
- Add the diced sweet potato, drained black beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles (with their juices), and 1/2 cup of beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato cubes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish the finished skillet with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
I’ve always loved how this skillet meal makes eating well feel so simple and satisfying. It’s packed with quality protein, fiber-rich veggies, and nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, creating a balanced dish you can feel great about serving to your family. One of my favorite things about this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet is how deeply nourishing it is, without ever feeling like a “diet” meal.
Sweet potatoes bring so much more than just earthy sweetness to this dish—they’re loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that support overall wellness. For more on the selecting the best sweet potatoes and their health perks, I always turn to trusted growers. And if you’re craving more vibrant, healthy meals, try my roasted sweet potato kale quinoa salad—it’s another go-to in my weekly rotation.
Here’s a quick look at what makes this savory spiced ground beef with sweet potatoes such a wholesome choice:
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef | High-quality protein, iron, B vitamins |
| Sweet Potatoes | Rich in Vitamin A, fiber, antioxidants |
| Black Beans | Plant-based protein, fiber, minerals |
| Bell Peppers | Vitamin C, antioxidants, low calorie |
For a deeper dive into the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes and how they pair so beautifully with savory ingredients, Eating Well offers wonderful insights I often reference.
A Lighter Version of This Southwest Skillet
Sometimes I’m craving those warm southwest flavors but want something just a bit lighter—maybe after the holidays or during warmer months. Fortunately, this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet adapts beautifully to a lower-calorie approach without losing any of its soul-satisfying charm.
One of my favorite tweaks is swapping the ground beef for lean ground turkey or even shredded chicken. You still get that hearty texture and protein boost, but with less fat. I also love loading up on extra vegetables—think zucchini, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end. They add volume, nutrients, and freshness without many calories.
If you’re looking for more light and lively meal ideas, you’ve got to try my Mexican street corn kale salad—it’s crunchy, creamy, and perfectly refreshing. And for more healthy twists on classic flavors, this healthy Mexican layer dip is always a hit at our gatherings.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I know how important it is to adapt recipes to fit different dietary needs—whether you’re cooking for someone who’s sugar conscious, managing glycemic intake, or just looking to eat a little lighter. Around here, we believe good food is for everyone, and with a few thoughtful tweaks, this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet can easily become a diabetic-friendly or low-glycemic favorite.
For a lower sugar version, you can reduce or omit any added sweet elements and lean into the natural sweetness of the potatoes and peppers. If you’re mindful of blood sugar, try pairing your serving with a big green salad or non-starchy veggies to balance the meal. And for those avoiding dairy, simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative—the spices and textures still shine through beautifully.
How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet
I’ll never forget the first time I served this skillet to my extended family during a cozy autumn gathering—the way the steam rose from the pan and filled the kitchen with the scent of cumin and sweet potatoes. It was one of those meals where everyone kept sneaking back for just one more spoonful, and my aunt asked for the recipe before she even left. That’s the magic of a truly shareable, comforting dish.
This hearty skillet meal with black beans is wonderfully versatile. I love scooping it into warm tortillas for a DIY taco night, or serving it over a bed of crisp romaine for a taco salad twist. It also pairs beautifully with a simple side of grilled sweet potato wedges or a cooling dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado crema.
For a complete Southwest-inspired spread, try pairing it with my Mexican sweet potato chicken soup on a chilly evening—it’s another family favorite that rounds out the meal with warmth and flavor. However you choose to enjoy it, this skillet is meant to be shared, savored, and repeated.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made nearly every kitchen mistake you can imagine over the years, especially when rushing through dinner prep after a long day. With this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet, a few common slip-ups can really change the final result. Let me share what I’ve learned so your skillet turns out perfect every time.
First, don’t overcrowd your pan with too many ingredients at once. When you add everything together, the sweet potatoes steam instead of developing that beautiful caramelized edge they get when properly pan-seared. I always cook my sweet potato pieces in batches if needed to give them space to shine.
Second, seasoning too late can leave your flavors flat. I add my spices directly to the ground beef as it browns, which helps them bloom and deepen in flavor. If you wait until the end, you’ll miss that rich, savory spiced ground beef with sweet potatoes that makes this dish so special.
Finally, overcooking the vegetables can turn your vibrant skillet meal into mush. Remember that bell peppers and onions continue to soften even after you remove the pan from heat. For guidance on cooking ground beef to perfection, I often check trusted sources to refresh my technique.
Trust me, I learned these lessons the hard way—like the time I served a slightly watery skillet to my husband’s poker night group. Now I always take those extra moments to do it right, and the difference is worth every second.
How to Store Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet
This hearty skillet meal with black beans actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight, making it one of my favorite make-ahead dishes for busy weeks. I often double the recipe just to have leftovers ready for quick lunches or those evenings when cooking feels impossible.
Let your Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Glass works best since it doesn’t absorb flavors, and I find it keeps everything fresher for longer. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days, though in our house it rarely lasts that long!
For freezing, portion individual servings into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat gently from frozen, adding a splash of broth if needed.
I love serving leftovers in my ground beef tacos for a quick twist, or pairing them with a simple sweet potato black bean salad for a complete meal. The flavors meld together so wonderfully that I sometimes think the second-day version might even be better than the first.
Try This Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet Yourself
I’ll never forget the first time my daughter asked for seconds of this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet—she’d always been my pickiest eater, but something about the warm spices and sweet potatoes won her over completely. Now it’s her requested birthday dinner every year, and that memory makes every bite taste like love.
This really is one of those magical recipes that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the days ahead, this easy ground beef skillet delivers on both flavor and convenience. That beautiful moment when everyone gathers around the skillet, serving themselves and sharing stories—that’s what home cooking is all about.
If you love this one pan sweet potato and beef combination, you might also enjoy my maple pecan roasted sweet potatoes for a sweeter take, or this twice baked sweet potatoes fajitas for another creative twist. For more 30 minute skillet meal inspiration, check out my healthy Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo collection—it’s full of quick, vibrant dishes that celebrate these beautiful flavors.
However you choose to enjoy it, I hope this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet becomes a cherished recipe in your home too, creating warm memories and satisfied smiles around your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey works beautifully in this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet. I often make this swap when I want a lighter version—just add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist since turkey has less natural fat than beef.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are cooked through?
Pierce the largest piece with a fork—it should slide in easily without resistance. The edges will be lightly browned and caramelized while the interior becomes tender and sweet. Don’t rush this step, as undercooked sweet potatoes can be disappointingly firm.
Can I make this skillet meal ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually improves when made ahead! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What toppings work best with this skillet?
I love fresh toppings that add contrast to the warm spices. Try avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. For some crunch, add tortilla strips or serve with my homemade sweet potato chips on the side.
More Cozy Skillet Dinners You’ll Love
If this Southwest Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet warmed your kitchen and your heart, you’ll adore these other one-pan wonders that make weeknight cooking both easy and delightful.
Easy Ground Beef Tacos – A family-friendly classic that comes together in minutes with bold, authentic flavors everyone craves.
Crispy Sweet Potato Chips – Perfectly seasoned and baked until crisp, these make any meal feel like a special occasion.
Hearty Sweet Potato Chicken Soup – Comfort in a bowl with tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and warming spices that soothe the soul.
Southwest Sweet Potato Black Bean Dip – A crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings all your favorite southwest flavors to the party scene.
