Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet – One-Pan, Bold & Healthy

Introduction

If you’re after a hearty, nutritious, and flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet delivers big. It’s a one-pan meal brimming with smoky spices, lean protein, tender sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies—all tossed together with that bold Southwest flavor you love.

Whether you’re eating clean, meal prepping for the week, or just need a simple dinner with minimal cleanup, this skillet is perfect. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or cheese.

Inspired by Southwestern spices and pantry staples, this dish brings warmth, texture, and color to the table without fuss or filler.

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Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this skillet plays a role in balancing flavor, nutrition, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef

• Lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) is ideal—rich flavor, less grease.
• Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner substitutes.

Sweet Potatoes

• Naturally sweet and full of fiber, they provide a hearty, nutrient-dense base.
• Dice small (½-inch) so they cook quickly and evenly.

Bell Peppers

• Red, yellow, or orange add sweetness and color. Green adds a more robust flavor.

Onion & Garlic

• Essential aromatics that build the base flavor of the dish.

Southwest Seasoning

• A mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Store-bought blends work too—just adjust salt accordingly.

Black Beans (Optional)

• For added protein and fiber. Drain and rinse before adding.

Corn (Optional)

• Adds a pop of sweetness and crunch. Fresh, frozen, or canned all work.

Fresh Cilantro & Lime

• Brightens and balances the savory richness of the skillet.

Olive Oil

• Helps sauté the vegetables and brown the beef.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Sweet Potatoes

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add 2 cups diced sweet potatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Cover and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fork-tender and browned in spots.
• Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

• In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed.
• Add 1 pound ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.
• Add ½ chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic.
• Cook for 5–6 minutes, until beef is browned and onion is soft.

3. Add Seasonings & Veggies

• Stir in:
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Add 1 chopped bell pepper and cook 2–3 minutes until just tender.

4. Combine Ingredients

• Return sweet potatoes to the skillet.
• Stir in ½ cup black beans and ½ cup corn (if using).
• Toss everything together and let it heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

5. Finish with Lime and Cilantro

• Squeeze in the juice of ½ lime and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.

6. Serve Hot

• Serve as is or top with your favorite add-ons (see below).

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Low-carb version: Swap sweet potatoes for diced zucchini or cauliflower.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Cheesy option: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top and melt under the broiler.
• Egg on top: For a brunch-style twist, add a fried or poached egg.
• Add grains: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice to stretch the meal.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This skillet is a flexible base for dozens of meals. Try it:

• In taco shells or lettuce wraps
• Over a bed of greens for a warm salad
• Topped with sliced avocado, Greek yogurt, or salsa
• As a meal prep bowl with rice and roasted veggies

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Post-workout meals
• Meal prep (stays great in the fridge)
• Family-style dinners with toppings served on the side

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish provides:

• Protein from ground beef and black beans
• Fiber and complex carbs from sweet potatoes and corn
• Healthy fats from olive oil and avocado (if added)
• Vitamins A and C from sweet potatoes and bell peppers

Make it even healthier:

• Use grass-fed beef or ground turkey
• Limit added cheese or use reduced-fat versions
• Add leafy greens like spinach toward the end of cooking

Approximate per serving (1 of 4 servings):

• Calories: 400–450
• Protein: 25–30g
• Carbs: 30–35g
• Fat: 18–22g
• Fiber: 6–8g

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make this in advance?

A1: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and is perfect for meal prep. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water.

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Q2: Can I freeze it?

A2: Yes. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

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Q3: What’s the best meat substitute?

A3: Use cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian/vegan option.

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Q4: How do I keep sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

A4: Dice them small and don’t over-steam. Cook uncovered and allow them to brown slightly for best texture.

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Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?

A5: It is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese or sour cream on top. Use dairy-free toppings as needed.

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Q6: What type of skillet is best?

A6: A large nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking and browning. Avoid overcrowding to keep ingredients from steaming.

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Q7: How do I stretch this for a crowd?

A7: Double the recipe and serve it over rice or in burrito bowls with toppings like beans, salsa, cheese, and guacamole.

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