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- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) To create the best Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Ground beef gives richness, while ground turkey offers a lighter choice. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and nutrition. Bell peppers bring color and crunch, enhancing the dish's texture. Onions and garlic provide a savory base. Black beans and corn add heartiness and fiber, making each bite satisfying. - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) Seasoning is key for flavor. Cumin and chili powder deliver warmth and depth. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, making the dish more complex. Salt and pepper help balance the flavors. Olive oil is perfect for cooking and adds richness. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, while lime wedges offer a zesty kick. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large skillet. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one chopped onion. Sauté it for about three to four minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This builds a great flavor base for your dish. Next, add two minced garlic cloves. Cook them for one minute until you smell that delicious aroma. Now, it's time to introduce one medium sweet potato, peeled and diced. Stir it all together. Cook the sweet potato for about ten minutes, stirring often. You want it to start softening up. Now, push the sweet potato mixture to one side of the skillet. Add one pound of ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter touch) to the empty side. Cook the beef for about five to seven minutes. Break it apart with your spatula as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely and cook all the way through. When the beef is ready, mix it in with the sweet potato. This is where the magic starts to happen! Next, add in one diced red bell pepper and one diced green bell pepper. They add color and crunch. Then, toss in one can of black beans, drained and rinsed, and one cup of corn (fresh or frozen). Now, for the seasonings! Sprinkle in one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well. Cover the skillet and cook for another five to seven minutes. This lets the sweet potatoes soften completely and melds all those great flavors together. Finally, adjust the seasonings if needed. Your dish is almost ready. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. - To ensure sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked, dice them evenly. Smaller pieces cook faster and more evenly. - Start cooking the sweet potatoes before adding other ingredients. This gives them a head start. - Stir occasionally, but not too often. Let them brown slightly for better flavor. - Taste and adjust seasonings. Each sweet potato may vary in sweetness. - Pair your skillet dish with rice or warm tortillas. Both add texture and flavor to your meal. - Add a side salad to bring freshness. A simple green salad works well. - Serve with lime wedges. Squeezing lime over the dish brightens the flavors. - Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and taste. It adds a nice touch. Pro Tips Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are chopped and ready to go. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you don't miss anything. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices rather than old ones. They have a more vibrant taste that can elevate your dish significantly. Customize Your Heat: If you enjoy a spicier dish, feel free to add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spices to your preference for the perfect flavor. Leftover Ideas: This dish makes great leftovers! You can repurpose it into tacos, burrito bowls, or even a hearty soup by adding some broth. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. Try using ground turkey for a lighter meal. This keeps the flavor but cuts fat. If you want a vegetarian dish, use lentils or chickpeas instead. They add protein and fiber without meat. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Zucchini adds a nice texture and flavor. Spinach is also a great choice and adds color. You can swap out black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans. This gives a new taste and keeps it interesting. For extra richness, sprinkle some cheese on top. Cheddar or Monterey Jack works well. You can also add slices of avocado for creaminess. Changing up the spices can boost flavor too. Try adding some oregano or cayenne pepper for a kick. To keep your Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. In the fridge, it lasts up to three to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. First, allow it to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. Enjoy your meal without losing any flavor! Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Here are a few options: - Use gluten-free ground beef or turkey. - Check that your spices are gluten-free. - Serve with gluten-free tortillas or rice. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try these: - Regular potatoes work well. - Butternut squash adds a nice flavor. - Cauliflower can also be a lighter choice. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the sweet potatoes and beef mixture a day before. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - Reheat it on the stove before serving. This blog post covered a delicious skillet dish made with ground beef, sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies. You learned how to prepare it step-by-step, with tips for cooking and serving. Variations let you switch up proteins and veggies, ensuring every meal feels fresh. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers later. With this guide, you have all the tools to create a tasty, versatile meal. Enjoy your time cooking and experimenting in the kitchen!

Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring ground beef, sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Introduce the diced sweet potato to the skillet and stir well. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato begins to soften.
  • Push the sweet potato mixture to the side of the skillet, and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the beef is browned, mix it with the sweet potato mixture. Add the diced red and green bell peppers, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften completely and flavors to meld.
  • Adjust seasonings if necessary, and remove from heat.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Keyword beef, one-pan, quick meal, skillet, Sweet Potato