The Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is your ultimate one-pan solution for bold flavor and simple prep. With just 30 minutes and a single skillet, you’ll create a hearty dish that perfectly balances the savory richness of ground beef with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes. Infused with southwest spices like cumin and chili powder, and finished with melted cheese and optional fresh cilantro, this meal is a standout for both busy weeknights and meal prepping. Serve it as-is, wrap it into tacos, or spoon it over rice for added flair—this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup diced yellow onion
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1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
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5 teaspoons chili powder (divided)
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2 teaspoons ground cumin (divided)
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon grated garlic
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2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
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14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
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4 oz can diced green chiles
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1/4 cup water
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack/Pepper Jack)
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
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Avocado slices, for serving (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Sauté, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until mostly cooked.
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Add 3 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook for 1 more minute. Remove beef mixture and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, remaining chili powder (2 tsp), cumin (1 tsp), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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Cover the skillet and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
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Return the ground beef mixture to the skillet. Stir to combine evenly.
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Sprinkle cheese on top, cover for 2 minutes or until melted.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and avocado if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 486 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
The Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a quick and easy dinner—it’s a flavor-packed, balanced, and versatile dish that caters to busy lifestyles without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Combining hearty ground beef with naturally sweet potatoes, aromatic spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and melty cheese, this one-pan recipe is a true weeknight hero. It brings comfort, convenience, and nutrition together in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast, a home cook needing fast solutions, or someone trying to eat more whole foods without diving into complicated recipes, this skillet delivers. It’s bold, satisfying, and customizable—exactly what modern home cooking needs.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This dish draws its inspiration from the bold flavors of Southwestern cuisine, which often includes smoky chili powder, earthy cumin, green chiles, and a balance of sweet and savory ingredients. It’s a simplified version of a Tex-Mex classic with the ease of everyday cooking in mind.
Originally, the idea came from the need for fast meals that could use ground beef and a few pantry staples, while still providing that wow-factor flavor. Adding sweet potatoes to the mix introduces a naturally sweet contrast that balances the savory meat and spices. Plus, it brings added nutrients to the table, making it not just a meal, but a wholesome experience.
Nutritional Benefits That Set It Apart
One of the standout features of this recipe is how nutritionally balanced it is. Here’s what makes it a smart choice:
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Lean protein from ground beef helps build and repair muscle tissue, and keeps you full longer.
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Sweet potatoes offer fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and natural sugars, which release energy steadily.
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Tomatoes and green chiles bring antioxidants and depth of flavor without piling on extra calories.
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Cheese, though optional, adds calcium and richness, turning the dish into a comforting delight.
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Spices like chili powder and cumin not only taste great but can help with digestion and inflammation.
It’s also gluten-free, and with a few swaps (like dairy-free cheese or ground turkey), it can be made paleo or dairy-free.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Schedules
One of the biggest struggles for home cooks is finding recipes that reheat well, are easy to store, and don’t lose their texture or taste. This skillet meal is a dream for meal prep.
Once cooked, it can be portioned into airtight containers and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or stovetop, maintaining its flavors and texture. You can also freeze it (minus the cheese) for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat before eating, then add cheese and fresh toppings like cilantro or avocado for that “freshly made” taste.
Made in One Pan—Minimal Cleanup
We all love the idea of gourmet meals, but not the mountain of dishes they leave behind. The beauty of this Southwest Skillet is that it all comes together in just one large pan or skillet. Start by browning the beef and onions, then simmer the sweet potatoes with tomatoes and green chiles in the same skillet.
Once everything is tender and cooked through, just stir it all together, sprinkle on the cheese, and you’re done. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup time, and more time enjoying the meal or relaxing with your family.
Highly Customizable Based on Dietary Needs
Another reason this dish is so loved by families and individuals alike is how easy it is to tailor it to dietary preferences:
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Lower carb? Skip the sweet potatoes and sub with cauliflower or butternut squash.
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Vegetarian? Swap the beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
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Want more veggies? Add zucchini, corn, bell peppers, or spinach into the skillet.
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Like it spicy? Increase the chili powder, add jalapeños, or top it with hot sauce.
This flexibility makes it a great recipe for feeding families with different tastes or for using up ingredients already in your fridge.
How to Serve It – Versatility at Its Finest
The serving options for this skillet are nearly endless:
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As-is: It’s hearty enough to serve straight from the pan.
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With rice or quinoa: A great option for adding extra grains and bulking up servings.
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Taco or burrito filling: Spoon the mixture into tortillas for an instant taco night.
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Over greens: Serve on top of a spinach or kale salad for a warm and cold contrast.
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Stuffed in peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and bake with the filling inside for a twist.
Whether you want a traditional plate, a bowl meal, or something a little more creative, this dish plays well with many formats.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
It can be tough to find meals that please everyone at the dinner table, especially kids who may be picky about vegetables. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, combined with cheesy goodness and familiar ground beef, makes this skillet an easy win with younger eaters.
Plus, since it’s not overly spicy (unless you want it to be), you can keep the flavor kid-friendly and customize spice levels individually. Add your own toppings—sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips—for extra fun at the table.
Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Quality
Many healthy meals often come with a higher price tag due to specialty ingredients. This recipe, however, uses affordable staples that you likely already have on hand or can find at any grocery store.
Ground beef, onions, sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, and shredded cheese are all budget-conscious ingredients. You’re getting a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant cost. And because it’s so filling, even one pan can stretch across multiple meals—perfect for saving both money and time.
Great for Every Season
While some recipes are seasonal, this skillet works year-round. In fall and winter, it feels warm and cozy, thanks to the hearty ingredients and spices. In spring and summer, you can lighten it up by serving with fresh toppings, like lime juice, chopped cilantro, or a cool avocado crema.
No matter the season, it adapts beautifully—making it a recipe that can rotate into your weekly menu at any time of the year.
Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Perhaps the biggest selling point of this skillet is that it’s ready in under 30 minutes—start to finish. That includes chopping, browning, simmering, and assembling. You don’t need any fancy tools, cooking skills, or prep ahead.
It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you’re too tired to cook, but don’t want to resort to takeout. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll likely be able to eyeball it the next time—making the process even faster.
Why This Recipe Continues to Be a Favorite
Between the flavor, ease, flexibility, and nutrition, it’s easy to see why the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet remains a favorite for many home cooks. It satisfies cravings, fills you up, and still fits within your health goals.
Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a hungry family, or prepping meals for the week ahead, this recipe meets you where you are—and always delivers.
Conclusion
The Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate recipe trifecta: fast, flavorful, and nutritious. It’s a one-pan wonder that takes the guesswork out of cooking while delivering bold, satisfying flavors and real, whole food ingredients. With countless ways to serve, customize, and enjoy it, this skillet meal isn’t just another recipe—it’s a staple you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, this dish makes healthy, home-cooked meals accessible and delicious.