Looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dinner idea? The Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is your answer. This one-pan meal brings together spicy ground beef, naturally sweet potatoes, and bold Southwestern spices, all in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big on taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- One skillet = easy cleanup
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Great for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free
- Packed with protein and fiber
Ingredients Needed For Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty skillet dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack)
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado
Pro Tip: Always follow ground beef safety guidelines when cooking with beef to ensure a safe and delicious meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap ground beef with:
- Ground turkey or chicken for leaner options
- Black beans or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version
- Replace sweet potatoes with:
- Butternut squash
- Russet or Yukon gold potatoes
- Try different cheeses like:
- Mozzarella (for milder taste)
- Dairy-free cheese (for vegan diets)
How To Make Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet:
1. Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and ground beef.
- Cook until beef is browned and nearly done.
- Stir in:
- 3 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Transfer mixture to a plate and set aside.
2. Simmer the Sweet Potatoes
- In the same skillet, add:
- Sweet potatoes
- Diced tomatoes
- Green chiles
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup water
- Stir and cover with lid.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet.
- Stir to combine everything.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Cover again for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional avocado slices.
How to Serve It
There are many tasty ways to enjoy this dish:
- Over rice or quinoa
- As taco or burrito filling
- With a fried egg for a brunch option
- As-is for a low-fuss dinner
Don’t miss our Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet for another comforting one-pan idea with bold, tangy flavors.
Health Benefits
- Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, Vitamin A, and antioxidants.
- Ground beef adds high-quality protein, iron, and B12.
- Balanced macros: carbs from sweet potatoes, protein from beef, and fats from cheese.
Want more high-protein meals? This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is another savory-sweet combo perfect for protein lovers.
Storage, Freezing, and Meal Prep
- Store: In the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: On stove or microwave; add a splash of water if dry.
- Freeze: Without cheese for up to 2 months. Add cheese when reheating.
Variations & Add-ins
Mix things up with these creative variations:
- Add black beans or corn for extra volume and texture
- Use chipotle powder or smoked paprika for smoky flavor
- Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Top with a fried egg or pickled red onions for extra flair
If you like hearty soups with similar spice, check out this Chicken Poblano and Black Bean Soup that brings smoky depth and richness.
FAQs About Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with:
Black beans
Plant-based crumbles
Lentils
Q: Is this dish spicy?
Mildly. You can control the heat by:
Using less chili powder
Omitting green chiles
Adding jalapeños for extra heat
Q: Can I cook it in the oven?
Yes! Transfer everything to an oven-safe skillet and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes to melt cheese and crisp the top.
Q: How do I meal prep this?
Divide into containers
Leave toppings like avocado or cilantro off until ready to serve
Store up to 4 days or freeze
Q: What’s the best sweet potato to use?
Orange-flesh sweet potatoes are best, they’re soft, sweet, and cook evenly.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Southwest Turkey and Veggie Skillet
- Ground Beef Taco Casserole
- Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs
- Tex-Mex Quinoa Bowl
Final Thoughts
The Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is more than a meal, it’s a weeknight hero. It’s:
- Flavorful
- Nutritious
- Versatile
- Family-approved
Whether you’re eating it fresh or reheating it for lunch, this dish always satisfies.
Print
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet made with lean beef, black beans, tender sweet potatoes, and melted cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
1 teaspoon minced garlic
5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
4 ounces diced green chiles
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro and sliced avocado for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then remove mixture to a plate.
In the same skillet, add sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, remaining chili powder and cumin, and water. Stir to combine.
Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Return the beef mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together.
Top with shredded cheese. Cover and cook until cheese melts, 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro and sliced avocado if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make it lighter or vegetarian.
Add corn or black beans for extra volume.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or inside tacos for variety.
Control heat by adjusting the chili powder and green chiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg