There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet, isn’t there? This dish wraps you in cozy flavors and fills your home with a delightful aroma that invites everyone to the table. The combination of savory ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and hearty black beans creates a meal that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare! Just one skillet does the trick, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll love the way spices like chili powder and cumin dance together, providing a flavor boost that makes this dish feel special yet simple. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this skillet dish brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness right to your plate. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a chilly evening, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Ingredients List
To make this comforting southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet, gather these simple yet essential ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, and feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter meal.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced: Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium yellow or white onion works beautifully, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor; you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed: This adds protein and fiber. If you prefer, you can swap in pinto or kidney beans instead.
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh: Use whatever you have on hand; frozen corn is just as delicious and saves prep time.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: This spice brings warmth and flavor; adjust according to your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: A must-have for that southwest flair.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your liking for the best flavor.
- Olive oil for cooking: Use just enough to coat your skillet for sautéing.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!
How to Prepare Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into preparing this delightful southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet. Trust me, it’s easier than you might think, and it all comes together in just a few simple steps!
- Heat the oil: Start by pouring about a tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat and let it warm up for a minute or two. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke.
- Sauté the aromatics: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The aroma will be fantastic!
- Brown the beef: Next, add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned all over. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. This step is key for flavor!
- Add sweet potatoes: Now, it’s time for the diced sweet potatoes. Stir them into the beef mixture and cook for about 5 minutes. You want them to start softening up, which will make all the flavors meld beautifully.
- Combine everything: After the sweet potatoes have had a moment, stir in the drained black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well so that all the spices coat the ingredients nicely.
- Cook until tender: Cover the skillet with a lid (this helps steam the sweet potatoes) and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the sweet potatoes are tender and everything is heated through.
- Serve warm: Once it’s all perfectly cooked, serve the southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet warm. It’s great on its own or paired with a simple salad. Enjoy every bite!
And there you have it! A comforting meal made in one skillet, perfect for busy nights or whenever you need a little warmth in your life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from sweet potatoes and beans, this dish offers a wholesome meal that nourishes the body.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste, making it your own special creation!
Tips for Success
To make your southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet truly shine, here are some helpful tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t rush the browning: Allow the ground beef to brown properly; this step adds depth of flavor. If the beef releases too much liquid, let it cook a bit longer before adding the sweet potatoes.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly opened spices can make a world of difference! If your chili powder or cumin has been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider getting new ones for that vibrant flavor boost.
- Experiment with veggies: Feel free to toss in any leftover veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can add color and nutrition to the dish.
- Adjust the heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Top it off: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream right before serving adds a fresh touch that elevates the dish even more!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a comforting meal like the southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each serving! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this hearty dish:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. Regardless, you can feel good about enjoying this nutritious meal that’s packed with wholesome ingredients!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about the southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet. I hope these answers help you feel even more confident in making this delicious dish!
- How long does it take to cook this dish? The total time for the southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet is about 40 minutes. This includes 15 minutes of prep and around 25 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and satisfying meal option!
- Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken. Both work wonderfully in this recipe and still provide that comforting flavor.
- What if I don’t have black beans? No worries at all! You can easily swap in pinto beans, kidney beans, or even lentils for a vegetarian version. Each option will add its own unique twist!
- How do I store leftovers? To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can! This southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.
I hope these answers make your cooking experience smoother and even more enjoyable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of your delicious southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, this dish freezes beautifully! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should last for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy! You can warm it up in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet! After you try the recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share photos of your delicious creation, too! We’re all in this together, and your experiences can inspire others!
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“Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet: 7 Comforting Steps”
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and easy southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet dish that brings warmth to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils or additional beans.
- Add bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust spices to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: southwest ground beef sweet potato skillet, easy dinner recipes, comfort food
