Southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet became my answer to those nights when I wanted something healthy but still satisfying enough to feel like a real meal. The combination of sweet potatoes and ground beef might sound unusual if you’re used to regular potatoes, but trust me on this one.
The first time I made this, I was surprised by how well the natural sweetness of the potatoes balanced the savory, spiced beef. Those colorful bell peppers add crunch and brightness, while black beans and corn bulk everything up and add texture. What really makes this dish work is getting those sweet potatoes cooked just right – tender but not mushy, with some caramelized edges where they hit the hot pan. The smell of cumin and chili powder fills the kitchen as everything comes together, and when you stir it all up in that big skillet, you’ve got a complete meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and all those vitamins sweet potatoes are known for. This southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet takes about 45 minutes, but most of that is just letting the sweet potatoes do their thing while you prep everything else. Let’s get started.
6 Reasons This Skillet Works Every Time
This one-pan meal solved my weeknight dinner problem by delivering nutrition and flavor without creating a sink full of dishes. The combination of ingredients creates a balanced meal that satisfies everyone while being genuinely good for you.
- Packs real nutrition with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins
- Comes together easily in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Works perfectly for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners
- Creates a colorful presentation that makes the meal feel special
- Adapts easily to whatever dietary preferences your family has
- Provides great leftovers for meal prep throughout the week
Key Players in This Recipe
Ground beef provides hearty protein that makes this dish satisfying. One pound seasons well and combines perfectly with the sweet potatoes without overwhelming them.
Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness that balances the savory beef. I always choose orange-fleshed varieties because they’re sweeter and become beautifully creamy when cooked.
Black beans add protein and fiber while contributing an earthy flavor. Draining and rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and ensures the best texture.
Bell peppers bring color, crunch, and sweetness to every bite. Using both red and yellow creates visual appeal while adding layers of flavor.
Chili powder and cumin provide that characteristic Southwest flavor. These warming spices tie all the ingredients together and make the house smell incredible.
Corn adds sweet bursts of flavor and a pleasant pop of texture. Frozen or canned both work beautifully depending on what you have available.
Cooking This Skillet Dish Step by Step
Step 1. I’ve found that uniform sizing matters – peel and dice your sweet potatoes into small cubes about half an inch in size so they cook evenly throughout.
Step 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and use your spatula to break it apart as it cooks.
Step 3. Season the beef with salt and pepper while it browns, cooking until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes, then drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the diced onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent.
Step 5. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant – Betty always says not to let garlic brown or it becomes bitter.
Step 6. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help them soften evenly.
Step 7. Sprinkle the chili powder and cumin over the sweet potatoes and stir well to coat every piece in those warming spices.
Step 8. Stir in the diced bell peppers, black beans, and corn, mixing everything together thoroughly and cooking for another 5-7 minutes.
Step 9. Through trial and error, I learned not to rush the sweet potatoes – keep cooking until they’re tender and the bell peppers have softened slightly.
Step 10. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, mix everything well, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
Step 11. Taste your southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 12. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, then serve warm.
Keeping This Skillet Fresh
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the skillet meal to an airtight container where it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers something to anticipate.
For longer storage, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for several months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.
Complete Your Meal
This skillet creates a satisfying main dish, but adding the right sides turns dinner into a complete Southwestern-inspired feast.
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet – Another ground beef skillet with Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet – A similar combination with different seasoning profile.
High Protein Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe – Another protein-packed ground beef and potato combination.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls – Mexican street corn flavors complement this skillet beautifully.
Easy Chicken Taco Soup – Start with this warming soup for a Southwestern dinner spread.
Creamy Taco Soup – Another soup option with complementary Southwest flavors.
Serve this southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet with rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious juices. A fresh green salad with light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Add slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole for creamy richness. Warm tortillas alongside make it easy to scoop up every bite.
FAQs
Regular potatoes work but will change the flavor profile significantly. They’ll take about the same cooking time but won’t provide that natural sweetness.
Dice them uniformly and stir occasionally rather than constantly. This allows them to develop some caramelization while cooking evenly.
Replace the ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The cooking method stays exactly the same.
Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and dicing them into small cubes, about 1/2 inch in size.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start softening.
- Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the sweet potatoes and stir well to coat.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, black beans, and corn. Mix everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, mix well, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
