Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Imagine the sizzle of seasoned Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet hitting a hot cast iron pan, releasing an aromatic blend of smoky spices that instantly transports you to the American Southwest. This hearty one-pan wonder combines lean ground beef with nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, creating a perfect balance of protein and complex carbohydrates that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make this skillet meal a weeknight favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll learn how to perfectly balance the spicy, sweet, and savory elements while mastering the art of the one-pan meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a game-changer for busy households seeking nutritious, flavorful meals without hours of preparation. The combination of tender sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef creates a delightful textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting. The sweet potatoes caramelize slightly in the pan, developing crispy edges while maintaining a soft interior that perfectly complements the hearty beef.

This Southwest beef skillet recipe is incredibly versatile – serve it as a complete standalone meal or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or grain bowls. The natural sweetness from the potatoes balances beautifully with the smoky Southwest seasonings, creating a flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children.

Perhaps most appealing is how this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup. The single skillet approach means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. It’s also meal-prep friendly, making it perfect for health-conscious eaters who want to prepare nutritious lunches for the week ahead.

Ingredients

For this delicious Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 recommended for less grease)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb/450g), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup/160g), diced
• 1 red bell pepper (about 1 cup/150g), diced
• 3 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon/9g), minced
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (240ml) corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (16g) Southwest seasoning (or taco seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon (1g) smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices for garnish (optional)

The star ingredients here are the sweet potatoes, which provide a nutritious base with their vitamin-rich flesh, and the Southwest seasoning blend, which infuses the entire dish with authentic regional flavor.

Pro Tips

Prep Smart: Dice your sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Larger pieces will take longer to soften, while smaller ones might become too mushy. For even faster cooking, consider par-cooking the sweet potatoes in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet.

Master the Browning: Don’t rush the browning process for the ground beef. Allow it to develop a deep caramelization by cooking over medium-high heat and resisting the urge to stir constantly. This browning creates rich, savory flavor compounds (called Maillard reactions) that elevate the entire dish.

Layer Your Flavors: Add spices at different stages for maximum flavor development. Add half your Southwest seasoning when browning the meat, and the remainder when adding the sweet potatoes. This layering technique creates depth of flavor that makes your Southwestern beef skillet taste like it’s been simmering for hours, not minutes.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and season with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and develop slight browning on the edges. The key here is patience – resist stirring too frequently to allow proper caramelization.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the empty space. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Season with half of the Southwest seasoning and cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. As the beef cooks, you’ll notice it developing a beautiful brown color – this is flavor developing!

Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, mixing with the beef and sweet potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should now be filled with an irresistible aroma that signals good things are happening in your skillet.

Step 4: Season and Combine
Sprinkle the remaining Southwest seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) over everything in the skillet. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain concentrated flavor that will enhance your dish!

Step 5: Add Beans and Corn
Gently fold in the black beans and corn kernels. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the excess liquid to reduce slightly. The sweet potatoes should now be tender when pierced with a fork, and the sauce should have thickened to a nice consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices if desired, bringing brightness and freshness to your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Variations

Vegetarian Southwest Skillet: Transform this dish into a meatless marvel by replacing the ground beef with an additional can of black beans or 8 ounces of crumbled tempeh. The protein-rich beans or tempeh will maintain the satisfying texture while absorbing all those wonderful Southwest spices. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for an extra savory boost that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Breakfast Southwest Skillet: Turn this dinner staple into a morning powerhouse by adding 4-6 eggs to the skillet during the final cooking stage. Create small wells in the mixture, crack eggs directly into them, and cover the skillet until the eggs reach your desired doneness. Top with a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese for a breakfast Southwestern beef skillet that will energize your entire day.

Spicy Chipotle Version: For heat lovers, transform the flavor profile by adding 2 tablespoons of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This simple addition creates a smoky, spicy undertone that pairs exceptionally well with the sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness. Finish with a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream to balance the heat.

Storage and Serving

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

For serving, this Southwest skillet meal shines in versatility. Serve it straight from the pan for a rustic family-style presentation, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado. Transform it into taco filling by warming corn tortillas and adding a sprinkle of queso fresco. For a hearty grain bowl, spoon the mixture over cooked quinoa or brown rice, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

For a nutritious breakfast variation, reheat a portion and top with a fried egg – the runny yolk creates a delicious sauce that elevates the entire dish.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What if I don’t have Southwest seasoning?
You can easily make your own by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Alternatively, taco seasoning makes an excellent substitute.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, though you’ll lose the distinctive sweet-savory contrast that makes this dish special. If using regular potatoes, consider russets or Yukon golds, and increase cooking time by about 5 minutes.

Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe has a mild to medium heat level. Adjust the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to increase spiciness, or omit the cayenne altogether for a milder version suitable for children.

What’s the best type of skillet to use?
A 12-inch cast iron skillet is ideal for its excellent heat retention and natural non-stick properties when properly seasoned. However, any large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work well.

Conclusion

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is comfort food at its finest — nourishing, vibrant, and bursting with the bold flavors of the American Southwest. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t require sacrifice or complicated techniques. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this skillet delivers satisfaction in every colorful, protein-packed bite. The harmony of sweet potatoes and savory beef creates a memorable meal that will quickly earn its place in your regular recipe rotation.

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