Amazing Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a lively and hearty dish that captures the essence of comfort food while delivering a burst of bold flavors. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and will surely impress your family and friends. The combination of lean ground beef and sweet potatoes not only makes it filling but also adds a healthy twist that keeps everyone satisfied. Plus, everything comes together in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze!
Why Make This Amazing Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish brings the best of both worlds to your table: it’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cooking utensils, and offers a delightful array of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances the smoky spices, while the ground beef ensures that each bite is packed with protein. With added nutrition from vegetables like corn and tomatoes, it’s a wholesome meal that checks all the boxes for taste, health, and simplicity. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe as a family favorite, especially on busy nights when you’d rather not compromise on nutrition or flavor.
How to Make Amazing Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
Creating this skillet dish is straightforward. It involves cooking the beef until it’s perfectly browned, then layering in the vibrant flavors of spices, fresh vegetables, and broth. The sweet potatoes take center stage, absorbing all those incredible flavors as they cook. Plus, the incorporation of frozen corn means no chopping is necessary, allowing you to enjoy more time savoring the dish rather than prepping it.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced sweet potato, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g
How to Serve Amazing Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish is versatile enough to be served on its own as a comforting main course. However, you can elevate it by pairing it with warm tortillas or a side of fluffy rice for a heartier meal. For special occasions, consider serving it in bowls topped with additional cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado to enhance the flavors further. It makes for an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or even entertaining friends for a laid-back get-together.
How to Store Amazing Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
To keep this skillet dish fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Amazing Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
- Choosing Meat: Opt for lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) for a healthier option. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, or leave it out completely for a milder dish.
- Sweet Potato Prep: Cut the sweet potatoes into even pieces to ensure even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-diced frozen sweet potatoes.
- Thickening Tips: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Different Veggies: Add in bell peppers, zucchini, or any favorite seasonal vegetables for more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different ground meat?
- Yes! You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lower-fat or vegetarian option.
- What can I serve with this skillet?
- This dish is self-sufficient, but serving it with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad can complement the flavors beautifully.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
Amazing Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience filled with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s easy to make, nourishes the body, and appeals to both kids and adults alike. Give this recipe a try, and I encourage you to experiment with variations to suit your family’s preferences. Happy cooking, and let me know what you think of this fantastic dish!
Southwest Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced sweet potato, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.