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Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
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The Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender sweet potatoes with spiced ground beef and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, it balances natural sweetness and bold Southwest spices while offering a nutritious, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Southwest seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Dollop of sour cream
  • Squeeze of lime juice
  • Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese

Optional Variations

  • Diced jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper for spice
  • Black beans or lentils for vegetarian substitution
  • Extra veggies like zucchini, corn, or diced tomatoes
  • Cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute for sweet potatoes

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Chop the bell peppers, dice the onion, and mince the garlic, ensuring all ingredients are prepped and ready before cooking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Southwest seasoning blend.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet or remove briefly. Add the diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasoning: Combine the beef and vegetables in the skillet, then add the diced sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining Southwest seasoning over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Add a splash of water or broth, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Let the skillet cook covered for 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sweet potatoes are soft and tender. Add additional liquid if the mixture starts sticking to the pan.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish for a bright, herbal finish. Serve directly from the skillet and enjoy.

Notes

  • Dice sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking and perfect tenderness.
  • Use freshly ground spices like cumin and paprika for the best flavor.
  • Allow the sweet potatoes to simmer fully to absorb the bold Southwest flavors.
  • Ensure you brown the beef well to add depth and texture to the dish.
  • Adjust the spice level gradually with chili powder or fresh peppers according to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest, beef skillet, sweet potatoes, one-pan meal, quick dinner, family-friendly, gluten-free, hearty, spicy

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/southwest-beef-and-sweet-potato-skillet/