Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet – Quick One-Pan Dinner
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
- 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
- ⅛ 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)
Instructions
1. Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned. Drain off any extra fat.
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.
3. Add in the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, and water. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
4. Remove the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
5. Remove the pan from heat. Add the cheese and replace the lid. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes for the cheese to melt.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
This hearty one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. Feel free to top with sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, or hot sauce for added flavor. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.