The aroma of the Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet wafts through the air, a delightful blend of spices and savory goodness that makes your mouth water. Picture this: tender ground beef mingling with sweet potatoes, bursting with flavor, and topped with melted cheese. perfect side for hearty dishes hearty vegetable-filled dishes It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, perfect for those cozy nights in.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it was a chaotic weeknight filled with homework battles and toddler tantrums. Yet, as soon as we sat down to eat, all the stress melted away. easy foil packet dinners This skillet became our go-to comfort food, ideal for busy evenings when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is quick and easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The rich flavors and textures will have your family asking for seconds
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Versatile enough to customize based on what you have in the fridge or pantry
I’ll never forget my daughter’s wide-eyed reaction when she took her first bite; it was pure joy on her little face.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while still keeping it juicy and flavorful.
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Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm sweet potatoes; they offer a natural sweetness that balances the savory beef perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato au gratin recipe.
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Onion: A yellow onion adds depth of flavor; sauté until translucent for the best results.
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Bell Peppers: Use any color you like; they add sweetness and a pop of color to your skillet.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch; always use more than you think you need!
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Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring that Southwestern flair; adjust quantities based on your spice tolerance.
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Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully over the top, creating an irresistible gooey layer.
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Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps in sautéing vegetables while adding healthy fats.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Prep Your Ingredients**: Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small cubes; this ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Chop your onions and peppers while you’re at it.
**Sauté the Vegetables**: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, stirring occasionally until softened—about five minutes—and fragrant.
**Brown the Beef**: Push veggies to one side of the skillet; add ground beef to the other side. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula—about six to eight minutes.
**Add Spices and Sweet Potatoes**: Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir in diced sweet potatoes, blending everything together seamlessly.
**Simmer Until Tender**: Pour in enough water just to cover sweet potatoes; bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook until sweet potatoes are fork-tender—approximately 15–20 minutes.
**Cheese It Up**: Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Cover again briefly just until melted—this should take about two minutes if you’re patient!
This recipe is straightforward yet packed with flavor, making it your new favorite weeknight meal! Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks right in one skillet!
Enjoy this delightful Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet that not only satisfies hunger but also warms hearts around the dinner table! rich and creamy potato soup.
You Must Know
- Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines flavors beautifully
- Embrace the vibrant colors and aromas, making dinner feel like a fiesta
- This dish is not only delicious but also makes clean-up a breeze, leaving you more time for relaxation
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef, then add sweet potatoes and cook until tender. Toss in spices and vegetables towards the end for maximum flavor without overcooking. For more inspiration, check out this taco bowl with ground beef recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or add black beans for extra protein. A dash of lime juice can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure you dice sweet potatoes uniformly to promote even cooking
- Don’t rush browning the beef; it builds depth of flavor
- Lastly, taste as you go—seasoning is key!
Cooking this dish brings back memories of my friend’s backyard BBQ where everyone couldn’t stop raving about it. The laughter and compliments made it unforgettable!
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a leaner option for this skillet.
What spices are essential for Southwestern flavor?
Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika are your best friends in this recipe.
How do I make it vegetarian-friendly?
Substitute beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a hearty vegetarian version.
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the rich flavors of Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet, a hearty one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef and sweet potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Simple to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes; chop the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Push veggies to one side of the skillet and add ground beef to the other side. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
- Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the beef mixture, then stir in diced sweet potatoes. Mix well.
- Pour in enough water to cover sweet potatoes; bring to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook until sweet potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese; cover again briefly until melted (about 2 minutes).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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