Description
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring lean ground beef seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic, combined with tender sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chiles, this dish is packed with bold southwestern flavors. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it offers a delicious and comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
- 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
- Prepare Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and ground beef. Break up the beef with a spatula and season with 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nearly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add grated garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: To the same skillet, add diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juice, canned diced green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Sweet Potatoes: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet again, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef if preferred.
- If canned green chiles are not available, diced jalapeños can add a similar heat level.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or omit cheese entirely.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
