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To create a tasty Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet, you need these key ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Each of these ingredients plays a role in building a rich flavor. The ground beef brings heartiness while the sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness. The bell pepper and onion provide crunch and depth. Garlic adds a lovely aroma, and black beans and corn give texture and protein. The spices—chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika—are essential for that Southwest flair. I love using olive oil for cooking because it adds a nice richness. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges on top give the dish a bright finish. You can mix and match some ingredients based on what you have at home, but keep the main ones for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the Skillet Begin by placing a large skillet on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil heat up for a minute. You want it hot but not smoking. - Sautéing Onions and Garlic Next, add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir them well. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the onion turns translucent. - Cooking Ground Beef Now, add 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spatula. Cook until it browns, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir well to mix the flavors. - Incorporating Sweet Potatoes Add 2 diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir them into the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let them cook for about 10 minutes. This helps soften the sweet potatoes. - Mixing in Bell Peppers, Black Beans, and Corn After 10 minutes, uncover your skillet. Now, add 1 diced bell pepper, 1 can of rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Mix everything well. Cover again and let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. - Adjusting Seasoning Once the sweet potatoes are tender, taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to make it perfect. - Garnishing and Serving Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze lime over the dish for a fresh flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Best practices for sautéing: Start with a hot skillet. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. This helps brown the beef and soften the onions. Stir often to avoid burning. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and great flavor. - How to check sweet potato tenderness: After cooking the sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes, poke one with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are tender. If not, cover and cook a bit longer. - Suggested spices for extra kick: Want more flavor? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. This will make the dish spicier. You can also try adding some oregano for an earthy taste. - Additional garnishes: Fresh cilantro adds color and taste. Consider adding sliced jalapeños for extra heat or diced avocado for creaminess. - Serving suggestions: Serve the skillet hot straight from the pan. This keeps the food warm and inviting. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions. - Using lime wedges for added flavor: Place lime wedges on the side. Squeeze them over the dish before eating. This brightens the flavors and gives a refreshing touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sweet potatoes and bell peppers enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder quantity according to your taste preference for a milder or spicier dish. Meal Prep Friendly: This skillet dish is great for meal prep. Cook a larger batch and store leftovers in individual containers for quick meals throughout the week. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro and lime wedges! They add a refreshing touch that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just check your spices and beans. Use gluten-free chili powder and canned black beans for safety. If you want a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Cook them the same way as beef for best results. You can use other proteins too. Ground turkey or chicken works well here. They both cook fast and taste great. For veggies, try zucchini or spinach instead of sweet potatoes. Using seasonal veggies keeps the dish fresh and tasty. If you want more heat, add jalapeños or serrano peppers. Chop them finely and mix them with the onions and garlic. For a milder dish, skip the chili powder or use a little less. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice. To store leftovers, let the skillet cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Leftovers will last about three to four days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze the skillet dish, make sure it cools completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The dish will stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot all the way through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it to keep moisture in. Enjoy your meal again! Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Ground turkey gives a lighter taste. Ground chicken is also a great choice. Just make sure to cook it until it is no longer pink. How do I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients a day before. Chop the sweet potatoes and veggies. Store them in the fridge. You can also cook the beef and store it. When ready to eat, just heat everything in a skillet. What can I serve with the Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet? This dish is great on its own. You can add a side salad or some tortilla chips. It also pairs well with rice or quinoa. Lime wedges bring a fresh taste when served. How do I know if the sweet potatoes are cooked properly? Sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If they are soft and easy to mash, they are done. They should not be hard or crunchy. Can I substitute canned beans for dried beans? Yes, canned black beans work well. They save time and add great flavor. Just rinse and drain before adding them to the skillet. What if I don’t have smoked paprika? If you lack smoked paprika, regular paprika is a fine choice. You can also use a pinch of cumin for a similar flavor. Just be careful not to add too much. This article explored creating a delicious Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, from ground beef to spices, and laid out easy steps for cooking. You learned tips for perfecting flavors and presentation. Plus, we looked at variations to fit different diets. In conclusion, this dish is not just tasty; it’s flexible and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to make this skillet your own! Happy cooking!

Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  • Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine, cover, and let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until they start to soften.
  • Uncover and add the diced bell pepper, black beans, and corn. Mix everything well and cover again for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to cook through.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are tender, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve hot with lime wedges for added freshness.
Keyword beef, one-pan meal, skillet, sweet potato