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Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

A quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet combining savory ground beef, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and bold Southwest spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this colorful dish offers balanced nutrition, minimal cleanup, and customizable options to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Southwest seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes for quick cooking. Chop the bell peppers and onions, and mince the garlic.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook until they start to soften but are not fully tender. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
  4. Combine and Season: Return the browned beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle the Southwest seasoning blend over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer about 10 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Dice sweet potatoes and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve proper browning; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Cover the skillet to help sweet potatoes soften faster by trapping steam.
  • Add seasoning gradually to control spice level.
  • Add fresh herbs like cilantro at the end to preserve their bright flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest, Beef, Sweet Potato, Skillet, One-Pan, Quick Dinner, Gluten-Free, Hearty