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- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow) - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Avocado slices (for serving) The main ingredients make this dish hearty and filling. Ground beef adds protein and flavor. You can use turkey for a lighter option. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and good nutrition. The bell pepper and red onion add crunch and color. Seasonings are key to flavor. Chili powder gives warmth. Cumin adds earthiness. Smoked paprika brings a hint of smoke. Salt and black pepper enhance all the tastes. Additional ingredients round out the meal. Olive oil is perfect for cooking. Black beans add fiber and texture. Corn adds a bit of sweetness. Fresh cilantro and avocado are great for garnishing. They not only look good but also add fresh flavors. Enjoy this easy meal that you can make any night of the week! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they are tender. To check for doneness, poke them with a fork. If they slide off easily, they are ready. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Next, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chopped red onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they soften. The colors should brighten, and they will smell sweet. Now, add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Garlic adds a great depth of flavor that brightens the dish. Now, it’s time to cook the ground beef. Add it to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown. Stir often to ensure the beef cooks evenly. If there is extra fat, drain it from the skillet. This keeps the dish from being too greasy. Once the beef is browned, add the sweet potatoes back to the skillet. Then mix in the rinsed black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well. Cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. You will notice how the spices lift the dish. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve it with avocado slices on the side. The creaminess of the avocado balances the spices well. Enjoy your meal! Timing is key for each ingredient to shine. Start with the sweet potatoes. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes until tender. Stir them often, so they cook evenly. Avoid overcooking them, as they can turn mushy. After cooking, set them aside. This keeps their shape and texture intact. Next, sauté the red onion and bell pepper for 3 to 5 minutes. This step softens them and brings out their sweetness. Add garlic for just one minute. Garlic cooks fast, so watch it closely. Too long can make it bitter. Brown the ground beef for 5 to 7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula while it cooks. If there’s too much fat, drain it for a leaner dish. To amp up the flavor, consider adding more spices. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat or oregano for extra depth. You can also toss in chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. Adjust to your taste, especially if you like it hot. Remember to balance flavors by tasting as you go. Adding a squeeze of lime at the end brightens the dish. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, give it a fresh punch. Use them as a garnish for extra flavor when you serve. For this dish, a large skillet is best. Use one that is heavy-bottomed for even heat. Cast iron or non-stick skillets work well. A good spatula is also important for breaking up the meat and mixing everything. You might want a cutting board and a sharp knife for prep. A can opener is handy for your black beans, too. Finally, have some measuring spoons ready for spices. Keeping your tools organized makes cooking smooth and fun. Pro Tips Choose the Right Protein: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey. It will still provide great flavor while reducing calories. Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes: Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut into uniform sizes to cook evenly. You can test tenderness with a fork; they should be easily pierced. Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it spicier, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh cilantro and avocado slices not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef with chicken or turkey. Ground turkey is leaner but still tasty. If you choose chicken, use boneless breasts and cut them into small pieces. Cook chicken for about 10-12 minutes until it’s no longer pink. For plant-based options, try crumbled tofu or tempeh. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes to get a nice texture. Feel free to add more vegetables to your skillet. Zucchini, spinach, or even corn can boost the flavor. If you want to add leafy greens like spinach, toss them in during the last minute of cooking. For firmer veggies, like carrots or broccoli, add them earlier to soften them well. Adjust cooking time based on how soft you want your veggies. To make this dish gluten-free, check all labels on your ingredients. Most beans and spices are gluten-free, but always confirm. For a dairy-free version, skip any cheese toppings. To lower carbs, replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower rice. You can also use less corn or beans for a keto-friendly meal. Adjustments like this keep the dish healthy without losing flavor. To keep your Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet fresh, follow these tips: - Allow the dish to cool down before storing. - Use airtight containers to keep out air and moisture. - Store in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, here’s how to reheat: - Use the stovetop for even heating. - Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. - Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well: - Let the skillet cool completely before freezing. - Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. - Label the container with the date for reference. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop as before. It takes about 40 minutes to make this dish. You will need 15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to cook. This time frame allows all flavors to blend well. You can serve this skillet with: - Rice or quinoa for added texture - A simple green salad for freshness - Tortilla chips for crunch - Sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the sweet potatoes, beef, and veggies, then store them in the fridge. Reheat them when you are ready to serve. This saves time on busy days. Absolutely! This dish works well for meal prep. You can batch cook it and store portions in airtight containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat when you need a quick meal. Yes, you can use other beans. Some good options include: - Pinto beans for a creamier texture - Kidney beans for a firmer bite - Chickpeas for added protein and flavor Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. This blog post covered a tasty Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. We explored its main ingredients, seasonings, and cooking steps. I shared tips for the best texture and flavor. There are also ways to adapt the dish to fit your needs, like using different proteins or vegetables. Remember, cooking is about making flavors blend. Enjoy trying this dish with your own twists. Happy cooking!

Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring ground beef, sweet potatoes, and southwestern spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 whole red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste slices avocado

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped red onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-5 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed.
  • With the beef cooked, add the sweet potatoes back to the skillet along with the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with slices of avocado on the side for a creamy contrast.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
Keyword beef, one pan, skillet, southwestern, sweet potato