Name: Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes; 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes; 4 ounces canned diced green chiles; Cilantro for garnish (optional); 5 teaspoons chili powder (divided); 2 teaspoons ground cumin (divided); Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon grated garlic; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Introduction

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. With a perfect blend of spices, tender sweet potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting dish ideal for busy weeknights.

The image shows a large silver pan filled with a mix of cooked ground meat, diced orange sweet potatoes, melted yellow and white cheese swirled throughout, and small pieces of cooked tomatoes. The top is sprinkled with fresh green cilantro leaves for garnish. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is partly submerged in the dish, resting near the upper left side of the pan. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with subtle veins of gray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, crumbling the beef with a wooden spoon. Stir in 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with salt and pepper. When the beef is nearly cooked through, add the grated garlic and cook for another minute. Pour the mixture onto a plate and wipe out the skillet.
Step 2: Add the diced sweet potatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover with a lid, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet and stir everything together. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover with the lid again, and cook for another minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy diced green chiles.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a smoky, spicy kick.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
Add black beans or corn to increase fiber and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

A brown bowl holds a hearty dish made of browned ground meat mixed with diced orange sweet potatoes, red tomatoes, and melted yellow cheese on top. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered across the dish. On the left side of the bowl, there are several slices of bright green avocado curved neatly. At the bottom of the bowl, two lime wedges with light green flesh are placed. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef and sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately if possible and combine them just before serving to retain the best texture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh fire-roasted tomatoes can be used if you have them, but canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes provide a more intense smoky flavor that complements the dish well.