If you’re looking for a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that comes together in one pan, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is your answer.
It’s a hearty combination of lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and melted cheese — all infused with bold Southwest spices.
The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or enjoy it straight from the skillet, this recipe delivers comfort, nutrition, and big flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with simple steps.
- ✅ One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- ✅ Nutritious & Filling: A balanced mix of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
- ✅ Family-Friendly: Mildly spiced and crowd-pleasing.
- ✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully for lunches or busy weeknights.
- ✅ Customizable: Great with different cheeses, veggies, or grains.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large, deep skillet (with lid)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional, for combining seasonings)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef (preferably 90/10%)
- 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated garlic (about 1 clove)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef and Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook until the beef is mostly browned and the onions have softened — about 5–6 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Cook Briefly
Stir in the grated garlic and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a plate and carefully wipe out any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
To the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, water, the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Season again lightly with salt and pepper.
Stir everything well to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Combine Everything
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
5. Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the residual heat melt the cheese — this should take 1–2 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Serve warm on its own or with your choice of sides (see below).
How to Serve
This skillet is incredibly versatile! Here are several delicious ways to enjoy it:
- 🍚 Over Rice: Serve over white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice for a classic combo.
- 🥦 With Cauliflower Rice: A lower-carb option that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors.
- 🍴 As Is: Enjoy it straight from the skillet — it’s a balanced meal on its own.
- 🌮 In Tacos or Burritos: Use it as a flavorful filling and top with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.
- 🥗 With Quinoa: Serve alongside or over quinoa for extra protein and texture.
Make Ahead Tips
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- For best results, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this skillet for later use:
- Allow the cooked dish to cool completely.
- Transfer it to a freezer-safe container (skip adding cheese if freezing).
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
- Add cheese just before serving.
Variations
- Add More Veggies: Corn, black beans, bell peppers, or zucchini make excellent additions.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option with less fat.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for extra creaminess.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use a vegan cheese substitute or skip the cheese entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with sweet potatoes already cooked?
Yes. If your sweet potatoes are pre-roasted or steamed, reduce the simmering time to about 10 minutes — just enough to blend the flavors.
Can I substitute regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great, though they’ll have a less sweet flavor.
Is it spicy?
Not very. It has a mild Southwest flavor. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne.
What can I serve with it?
A side of guacamole, sour cream, or a crisp green salad pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Conclusion
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet brings together smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in one satisfying meal.
It’s a 30-minute, one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Packed with protein, nutrients, and comfort, this skillet recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Category: Dinner, Skillet Meals, Gluten-Free, Savory
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Beef and Onions. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook until the beef is mostly browned and the onions have softened — about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Cook Briefly. Stir in the grated garlic and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a plate and carefully wipe out any excess grease from the skillet.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes. To the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, water, the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Season again lightly with salt and pepper.
- Stir everything well to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Combine Everything. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Melt. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the residual heat melt the cheese — this should take 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve. Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm on its own or with your choice of sides (see below).
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.