Flavorful Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
The Secret to Perfect Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is your answer. With its savory ground beef combined with tender sweet potatoes and vibrant veggies, it offers a delightful burst of Southwestern flavors that will have everyone raving at the dinner table. The combination of spices brings warmth and depth to each bite, while the melted cheese adds a comforting touch—making this dish not just a meal, but an experience.
Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
– Quick and easy preparation in just 45 minutes.
– Packed with high protein and fiber, making it a filling option.
– One-pan meal means less cleanup after dinner.
– Versatile; you can customize toppings to suit your taste.
– Budget-friendly ingredients make it an economical choice for families.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To whip up this delicious skillet, you’ll need a few essential tools:
– Skillet: A large skillet is perfect for browning the beef and cooking all ingredients together.
– Knives: Sharp knives for dicing vegetables efficiently.
– Cutting board: A sturdy surface to chop your ingredients safely.
– Measuring spoons: To accurately measure out spices for the perfect flavor balance.
– Lid: A lid helps cook sweet potatoes evenly by trapping steam.
Preparation Tips
For the best results, make sure to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Don’t skip draining any excess fat from the beef; this keeps the dish from becoming greasy. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your heat preference; add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick or tone it down for a milder flavor.
Ingredients for this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– ½ cup yellow onion, diced
– ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– ¼ teaspoon oregano
– â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup shredded cheese, optional
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Add some Southwestern spice to your dinner table with this easy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet! This deliciously filling high-protein, high-fiber meal is packed with lean meat, colorful veggies, zippy spices, and melty cheese—a decidedly crowd-pleasing combo.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Veggies
Start by adding the ground beef, diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef begins to brown, break it up into large chunks using a spatula. This not only helps it cook evenly but also allows those delicious flavors from the veggies to meld with the meat. Once the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, drain off any excess fat for a healthy finish.
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Now that your beef and veggies are cooked, it’s time to add some flair! Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together constantly for about one minute. This step is crucial—cooking the spices briefly helps release their oils and enhances their flavor profile in your dish.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Beans
Next up, toss in the cubed sweet potatoes along with the drained black beans. Pour in one cup of water and stir well to combine all ingredients. Reducing the heat to medium-low and covering the skillet will allow everything to steam together beautifully. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until your sweet potatoes are fork-tender—this is where all those flavors start to come together!
Step 4: Evaporate Excess Liquid
Once your sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help evaporate any remaining liquid and create a thicker texture that brings all those ingredients together harmoniously.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Remove your skillet from heat and sprinkle on shredded cheese if you’re using it—this adds a creamy richness that’s hard to resist! Replace the lid and let it sit for about five minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking it.
Notes
One of the best things about this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is its versatility! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add different vegetables like zucchini or corn based on what you have on hand. Want to elevate flavor even more? A squeeze of lime juice or a handful of fresh cilantro can really brighten up this dish!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Not draining excess fat from cooked beef can make your dish greasy.
– Overcooking garlic can lead to bitterness; add it towards the end of cooking.
– Forgetting to cover while simmering may result in dried-out sweet potatoes.
– Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge can affect cooking time.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers of this delightful skillet meal can be easily stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on medium heat in a skillet or in short bursts in the microwave until warmed through. If you’d like to freeze any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them into freezer-safe bags or containers; they’ll be good for up to three months!
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 40g
– Fat: 15g
– Carbs: 43g
– Fiber: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version that still packs plenty of protein.
What kind of cheese works best?
While shredded cheddar cheese is popular, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra kick!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, you might want to reduce or omit red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
I hope you give this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet a try! It’s not just easy; it’s also comforting and filled with flavor that’s sure to please everyone at your table. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your thoughts or any personal twists you add!
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Start by adding the ground beef, diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef begins to brown, break it up into large chunks using a spatula. Once the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, drain off any excess fat.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together constantly for about one minute.
- Toss in the cubed sweet potatoes along with the drained black beans. Pour in one cup of water and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle on shredded cheese if using. Replace the lid and let it sit for about five minutes to melt the cheese.
