Hey there, fellow food lovers! Let me tell you about my favorite go-to dish—the southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet. It’s a total lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you need to whip up something delicious in a flash. The best part? You can have this flavor-packed meal on the table in just 30 minutes! Imagine the savory ground beef combined with sweet, tender sweet potatoes and vibrant veggies, all tossed together in one skillet. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the kitchen. You’ll absolutely love how simple yet satisfying it is!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make your southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet. You’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned works great)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients come together to create a hearty, satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand—feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies or spices!
How to Prepare the Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Alright, let’s dive into the cooking process! This is where the magic happens, and it’s super straightforward. Grab your favorite large skillet because you’ll want enough room for all those delicious ingredients. Here’s how to whip it up:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute or so; you want that sizzle when you add the onions!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is divine!
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the ground beef. Add it to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned all over, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked through!
- Once the beef is ready, stir in your diced sweet potatoes along with the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the sweet potatoes with those bold flavors.
- Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This is when the sweet potatoes become tender and infused with all that goodness! Give it a stir halfway through to make sure everything cooks evenly.
- Finally, fold in the black beans and corn. Mix it all together and heat through for another 2-3 minutes. And voila! You’ve got a vibrant, hearty dish ready to serve!
Trust me, you’ll want to dig in right away! Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy skillet meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-skillet meal means less cleanup—yay!
- Flavor-packed with a delightful mix of spices and veggies.
- Nutritious sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and fiber.
- Customizable—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Kid-approved and perfect for the whole family!
Trust me, once you try this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Tips for Success
To make your southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet absolutely fantastic, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the beef; it really adds depth to the flavor. Also, keep an eye on your sweet potatoes—if they’re cut too large, they’ll take longer to cook. If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. And don’t forget to taste as you go; adjusting the seasoning can make all the difference! Lastly, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens everything up beautifully. Enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of the southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet. You’ll find it satisfying with about 400 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, it packs in 6g of fiber! Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used.
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute that works perfectly in this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may brown a little faster.
What can I add for extra veggies?
If you’re looking to pack in more veggies, try adding zucchini, spinach, or even some diced tomatoes. They’ll blend right in and add even more flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This skillet meal is fantastic for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is! The southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it worry-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Once it’s cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 2-3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet, I’ve got a few delicious ideas to elevate the meal! A simple side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette pairs beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch. You can also serve it with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for some extra texture and fun! If you’re in the mood for something creamy, dollop some avocado or a spoonful of sour cream on top. And for an extra kick, sprinkle some crumbled feta or fresh cilantro right before serving. Enjoy your flavorful feast!
For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, you can explore Healthy Pasta Primavera or Pasta Primavera Recipe.
Print
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet recipe packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add black beans and corn, mix well, and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add avocado or cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet
