There’s a particular kind of magic in meals that come together in one pan. They feel intimate, intentional, and somehow always just right. This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet isn’t just a dinner—it’s a reflection of shared warmth, a busy weeknight savior, and a nod to deeply rooted Southwestern traditions that celebrate bold spices, vibrant vegetables, and soul-satisfying textures.
Growing up in a house where food meant connection, there were always certain dishes that brought everyone to the table before they were even called. The sweet-savory smell of caramelized onions, roasted cumin, and ground meat browning was a universal signal that something wonderful was about to happen. This skillet captures that feeling—whether it’s served in a humble kitchen on a rainy night or laid out on a vibrant family-style table with plenty of garnishes and warm tortillas.
But beyond the comfort, there’s history. The combination of beans, sweet potatoes, and spices draws influence from indigenous and Mexican cuisine. Black beans and root vegetables have long been staples across Mesoamerican diets, valued not only for their nutrition but for their harmony in flavor. When paired with ground beef and the punch of chili powder and cumin, the result is something that feels familiar, yet celebratory. Something that invites you to slow down and savor, bite by bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a Weeknight Winner: This skillet is a one-pan meal that comes together fast, making it ideal for nights when time and energy are limited.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Sweet potatoes are a fall favorite, but their earthy sweetness and heartiness make this recipe just as perfect for chilly spring evenings or summer meal prep.
- Balanced and Satisfying: With protein, fiber, complex carbs, and just the right touch of fat, it’s a feel-good dinner that keeps you full and energized.
- Kid and Crowd Friendly: Mild spices make this approachable for younger eaters, but the flavors are bold enough for grown-up palates.
- Highly Adaptable: Whether you’re dairy-free, vegetarian, or spice-happy, you can tweak this dish to fit your lifestyle.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 3 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
How to Make Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Start with the sizzle
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat. Add your ground beef and begin breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. As it starts to brown, stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let everything cook together until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies begin to soften—about 6–8 minutes.
2. Season to perfection
Once your beef mixture is nicely browned, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well so every bite gets a hit of that earthy, warm spice blend. Let the spices toast in the pan for a minute to deepen their flavor.
3. Add the heart of the dish
Toss in the cubed sweet potatoes and black beans. Pour in the water, then stir gently to combine. The potatoes should be mostly submerged. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Let it all come together
Once the sweet potatoes are soft, remove the lid. Simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes to let any excess water cook off. Stir gently so the mixture holds some texture without turning to mash.
5. Cheese it up
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover again and remove from heat. Let the residual heat melt the cheese into oozy goodness. Uncover and marvel at the bubbling, golden top.
6. Serve with love
Spoon the skillet into bowls, wrap it in warm tortillas, or serve it over rice or greens. Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, or Greek yogurt.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate and absorb flavor uniformly.
- Use a lid: Don’t skip this step. Trapping steam is crucial to softening the potatoes without overcooking the beef.
- Layer garnishes wisely: A spoonful of salsa verde or fresh lime juice can brighten up the richness instantly.
- For crispy edges: Remove the lid toward the end and let the skillet sit undisturbed on medium-high heat for a few minutes to crisp the bottom.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern / Tex-Mex
- Diet: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
NOTES:
- Swap the meat: Ground lamb, ground turkey, or even plant-based ground “beef” works well.
- Double batch: This freezes beautifully—just skip the cheese before freezing and add it fresh upon reheating.
- Roast sweet potatoes separately: For added texture and caramelized flavor, you can pre-roast the sweet potatoes and stir them in during the final minutes.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 11g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Perfect for weekly meal prep.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Just leave out the cheese, freeze in an airtight container, and reheat with fresh cheese later.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the beef with cooked lentils, tofu crumbles, or plant-based ground meat. Everything else stays the same.
What if I don’t have black beans?
No problem—pinto, kidney, or even white beans will do just fine.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months (minus the cheese).
- Reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to refresh the texture.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this skillet, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Hearty Tex-Mex Classic Worth Savoring
- A Cozy Skillet Classic: The Story Behind This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
- Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: A Comforting Classic
- Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole
CONCLUSION:
Whether it’s your first time trying a one-pan dinner or you’re a seasoned meal-prepper, the Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a recipe that checks all the boxes: satisfying, flavorful, nutritious, and soul-warming. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into a meal worth remembering—and repeating.
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Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet – One-Pan Comfort Food at Its Best
Description
There’s a particular kind of magic in meals that come together in one pan. They feel intimate, intentional, and somehow always just right. This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet isn’t just a dinner—it’s a reflection of shared warmth, a busy weeknight savior, and a nod to deeply rooted Southwestern traditions that celebrate bold spices, vibrant vegetables, and soul-satisfying textures.
Growing up in a house where food meant connection, there were always certain dishes that brought everyone to the table before they were even called. The sweet-savory smell of caramelized onions, roasted cumin, and ground meat browning was a universal signal that something wonderful was about to happen. This skillet captures that feeling—whether it’s served in a humble kitchen on a rainy night or laid out on a vibrant family-style table with plenty of garnishes and warm tortillas.
But beyond the comfort, there’s history. The combination of beans, sweet potatoes, and spices draws influence from indigenous and Mexican cuisine. Black beans and root vegetables have long been staples across Mesoamerican diets, valued not only for their nutrition but for their harmony in flavor. When paired with ground beef and the punch of chili powder and cumin, the result is something that feels familiar, yet celebratory. Something that invites you to slow down and savor, bite by bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 3 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
Instructions
1. Start with the sizzle
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat. Add your ground beef and begin breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. As it starts to brown, stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let everything cook together until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies begin to soften—about 6–8 minutes.
2. Season to perfection
Once your beef mixture is nicely browned, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well so every bite gets a hit of that earthy, warm spice blend. Let the spices toast in the pan for a minute to deepen their flavor.
3. Add the heart of the dish
Toss in the cubed sweet potatoes and black beans. Pour in the water, then stir gently to combine. The potatoes should be mostly submerged. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Let it all come together
Once the sweet potatoes are soft, remove the lid. Simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes to let any excess water cook off. Stir gently so the mixture holds some texture without turning to mash.
5. Cheese it up
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover again and remove from heat. Let the residual heat melt the cheese into oozy goodness. Uncover and marvel at the bubbling, golden top.
6. Serve with love
Spoon the skillet into bowls, wrap it in warm tortillas, or serve it over rice or greens. Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, or Greek yogurt.
Notes
-
Swap the meat: Ground lamb, ground turkey, or even plant-based ground “beef” works well.
-
Double batch: This freezes beautifully—just skip the cheese before freezing and add it fresh upon reheating.
-
Roast sweet potatoes separately: For added texture and caramelized flavor, you can pre-roast the sweet potatoes and stir them in during the final minutes.