Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
A hearty one-pan meal with ground beef, sweet potatoes, and bold Southwest spices — ready in 30 minutes for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef lean or grass-fed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 15 oz black beans 1 can drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup shredded cheese or avocado slices
- 1 fresh jalapeño diced (for heat)
- 1 dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions
Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and caramelize. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Brown the Ground Beef:
- Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add Aromatics and Spices:
- Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Combine Everything:
- Add black beans and corn to the skillet. Mix everything together and cover. Let it cook on low for 5–6 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
Finish and Serve:
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet. Garnish with cilantro or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of hot sauce.
- Want it vegetarian? Skip the beef and double the black beans or add lentils.
- For meal prep, divide into containers — reheats beautifully for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSodium: 620mgFiber: 7gSugar: 8g
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