Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is my cozy, one-pan answer to busy weeknights. Tender sweet potato, juicy ground beef, and bright Southwest spices turn simple pantry staples into a hearty, healthy dinner.

Growing up, skillets meant comfort and family time. This Sweet Potato Skillet version keeps that spirit—simple steps, bold flavor, and easy cleanup. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder = fewer dishes and faster cleanup
• Balanced meal with protein, fiber, and color (a true Health Dinner)
• Ready in 35 minutes, perfect for Beef Dinner on weeknights
• Versatile toppings for Recetas Mexicanas vibes (cilantro, avocado, lime)
• Meal-prep friendly and freezer-friendly (Health Dinner Recipes approved)

Ingredients (with Notes & Tips)

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef – 85–93% lean is ideal for flavor without excess grease; classic for Beef Recipes For Dinner
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb/450 g), 1/2-inch dice – smaller cubes cook faster in a Sweet Potato Skillet
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped – color and crunch for Sweet Potato Skillet Recipes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh aroma; jarred works in a pinch
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, rinsed & drained – extra protein and fiber
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef broth – keeps everything moist (no wine, alcohol-free)
• 1 tsp ground cumin – smoky Recetas Mexicanas character
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – deep, warm flavor
• 1/2–1 tsp chili powder – adjust heat to taste
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt + 1/4 tsp black pepper – season to balance the sweetness
• 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded sharp cheddar (optional) – melty finish for a comforting Beef Dinner
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro + lime wedges – bright, fresh garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions (timed, with visual cues)

1. Preheat & prep (2 minutes): Place a 12-inch cast-iron or deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Have all ingredients diced to 1/2-inch for even cooking.
2. Brown beef (6 minutes): Add ground beef. Break into crumbles and cook until no pink remains and edges turn slightly crisp. If needed, spoon off excess fat (leave about 1 tsp for flavor).
3. Aromatics (3 minutes): Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until onion turns translucent and pepper softens; the skillet should smell savory and sweet.
4. Season & simmer (12–15 minutes): Add sweet potatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender; stir every 3–4 minutes. If the pan looks dry before the potatoes soften, add 2–3 tbsp more broth.
5. Beans & finish (3 minutes): Fold in black beans. Cook uncovered until beans are warmed and excess liquid reduces to a glossy sauce.
6. Cheese & garnish (2 minutes): Sprinkle cheddar (if using). Cover 1–2 minutes to melt. Finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet hot from the pan.

You Must Know

• Dice sweet potatoes small (1/2-inch) so they cook through with the beef. key for Healthy Dinner Recipes.
• Cover while simmering to trap steam; uncover at the end to reduce and concentrate flavor.
• Cast iron browns better; nonstick is great for easy cleanup in Abendessen Rezepte routines.
• A squeeze of lime brightens the sweet-and-smoky balance instantly.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months. Cool fully, portion, and label.
• Reheat: Skillet over medium with a splash of broth, or microwave in 60–90 second bursts, stirring between.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for lighter Health Dinner macros.
• Black beans: Use pinto or kidney beans; or sub 1 cup corn for a bean-free version.
• Beef broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth (still alcohol-free; we never use wine).
• Cheddar: Omit for dairy-free or use a plant-based melt.
• Spice tweak: Add chipotle powder for smoky heat or reduce chili powder for milder Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner.

Serving Suggestions

• Spoon into warm corn tortillas with avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro. easy Recetas Mexicanas style.
• Serve over cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for a heartier Beef Dinner.
• Add a crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette for a balanced Health Dinner.
• Top bowls with Greek yogurt, green onions, and extra lime.

Cultural Context

Southwest flavors blend Mexican inspiration with American home cooking. Cumin, smoked paprika, chili, and lime echo borderland kitchens, while sweet potatoes bring Southern comfort, an inviting bridge for Sweet Potato Skillet Recipes that feel both familiar and fresh.

Pro Tips

• Microwave diced sweet potatoes for 2 minutes before adding to speed things up.
• Let the beef brown undisturbed for 1–2 minutes for flavorful crust.
• Keep a little broth handy; add small splashes to maintain a saucy glaze.
• Finish with lime zest plus juice for layered citrus brightness.

Lucy

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This cozy one-pan meal combines sweet potatoes, ground beef, and bold Southwest spices into a hearty, healthy dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in 35 minutes with easy cleanup!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Southwest

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85–93% lean)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, 1/2-inch diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2–1 tsp chili powder, to taste
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• lime wedges, for serving

Equipment

• 12-inch cast-iron or nonstick skillet
• cutting board
• chef’s knife
• wooden spoon or spatula
• measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Place a 12-inch cast-iron or deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Dice all ingredients to 1/2-inch for even cooking.
2. Add ground beef. Break into crumbles and cook until no pink remains and edges turn crisp, about 6 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tsp.
3. Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent and pepper softens.
4. Add sweet potatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender. Add broth if pan gets dry.
5. Fold in black beans. Cook uncovered for 3 minutes until beans are warmed through and sauce thickens slightly.
6. Sprinkle cheddar on top (if using), cover for 1–2 minutes to melt. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot.

Notes

Dice sweet potatoes small (1/2-inch) so they cook through with the beef. Cover while simmering to trap steam; uncover at the end to concentrate flavor. Cast iron browns better; nonstick is great for cleanup. Finish with lime zest plus juice for citrus brightness.

Recipe FAQs

Explore More Recipes

Looking for more cozy dinner ideas after Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet? Try these next:

• Sweet Potato Wedges – Crispy outside, tender inside; perfect with a lime-yogurt dip.
• Sweet Potato Hash Browns – Golden, crunchy patties for breakfast-for-dinner.
• Sheet Pan Sausage & Sweet Potatoes (Honey Garlic) – Hands-off weeknight hero with sweet-savory glaze.
• Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes – Ultra-crispy edges and fluffy centers; great side for any beef dinner.