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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty southwest ground beef and sweet potato skillet delivers a spicy dance of flavors through robust southwestern ingredients. Savory beef, tender sweet potatoes, and zesty spices blend perfectly, promising you a quick, satisfying meal that sparks culinary excitement.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • ½ cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium flame, introducing olive oil to create a sizzling foundation for browning ground beef thoroughly, meticulously fragmenting the meat with a sturdy utensil while eliminating superfluous grease.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to transform into translucent, aromatic companions dancing within the skillet’s landscape.
  3. Introduce diced sweet potatoes alongside a constellation of spices – chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, freshly cracked pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes – creating a vibrant flavor profile that will permeate the entire dish.
  4. Tenderly cloak the skillet with a protective lid, permitting the sweet potatoes to gradually soften and absorb the complex spice medley, stirring occasionally to prevent potential scorching.
  5. Integrate black beans, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and golden corn kernels, allowing these ingredients to harmonize and simmer, transforming the mixture into a cohesive, robust southwestern treasure.
  6. For cheese enthusiasts, delicately cascade shredded cheese across the skillet’s surface, creating a molten blanket that gently melts and embraces the underlying ingredients.
  7. Conclude the culinary journey by removing from heat, generously garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and presenting alongside bright, tangy lime wedges to awaken the palate.

Notes

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
  • Dice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and chili powder according to personal heat preference.
  • For vegetarian adaptation, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu for protein-packed alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg