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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Melena
A hearty, one-pan meal bursting with flavor, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet combines tender beef, sweet potatoes, sautéed peppers, and Southwest spices. Quick, wholesome, and customizable, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients:
  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Spices & Seasoning:
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh & Optional Toppings:
  • 1 lime juiced
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Shredded cheese cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced jalapeños or green onions

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Beef:
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Sauté Aromatics:
  • Stir in diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
  • Add Spices:
  • Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Mix well.
  • Cook Sweet Potatoes:
  • Add diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
  • Add Vegetables & Beans:
  • Mix in bell peppers, black beans, and corn. Cover and cook until sweet potatoes are fully tender.
  • Finish with Freshness:
  • Remove from heat. Squeeze lime juice over the skillet and sprinkle with cilantro.
  • Serve & Garnish:
  • Top with avocado, cheese, salsa, or your preferred toppings. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Enhance Flavor: Toast spices briefly before adding ingredients for a deeper aroma.
  • Perfect Texture: Dice sweet potatoes evenly and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure browning.
  • Healthier Options: Swap lean beef for ground turkey or add extra beans for reduced saturated fat.
  • Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for more nutrition.