Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving bold flavors and crave-worthy comfort all in one pan, my Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your newest weeknight obsession. This hearty skillet combines tender sweet potatoes, zesty spices, lean ground beef, and gooey cheddar for a meal that’s filling, fuss-free, and loaded with southwest flair.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how just a handful of simple pantry and fridge staples come together to create something so dazzling. Each ingredient in this Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet adds its own magic—spice, sweetness, color, and of course, irresistible gooeyness.

• Olive oil: For sautéing everything to golden perfection—feel free to swap in avocado oil if you like.
• Diced onion: Lends savory flavor and a touch of sweetness as it cooks down.
• Lean ground beef: The classic southwest protein, but you can sub in ground turkey or even chicken for a lighter spin.
• Chili powder (divided): This is the backbone of that unmistakable southwest flavor—using it in both the beef and the sweet potato mixture layers in extra zest.
• Ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness that ties everything together.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Don’t be shy! Proper seasoning here brings out the personalities of every ingredient.
• Freshly grated garlic: That little pop of heat really shines—skip the jarred stuff if you can.
• Peeled, diced sweet potatoes: Sweet and tender, these are the star of the show! Dice them evenly so they cook through at the same time.
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes (canned): A little smokiness and tang keeps the dish bright and juicy.
• Canned diced green chiles: These give a gentle kick and that one-of-a-kind southwest aroma.
• Water: Just a splash—that extra moisture helps the sweet potatoes steam to tenderness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The glorious finishing touch that melts to gooey perfection.
• Chopped cilantro (optional): A shower of fresh green at the end adds color and herbal shine.

Variations

One of the joys of a Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet is how endlessly customizable it is. You can easily twist it to suit your family’s tastes, what’s in the fridge, or dietary needs—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for canned black beans or lentils for a fabulous meatless version.
• Up the Veg Power: Stir in bell peppers, corn, or zucchini—the more color, the merrier.
• Go Spicy: Want more heat? Add jalapeños or use hot diced green chiles.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use your favorite plant-based cheese or simply leave it off—the skillet is still drool-worthy!

How to Make Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the diced onion and ground beef, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, plus salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is almost done. Toss in the garlic and stir for a minute, then transfer everything to a plate. Don’t forget to wipe out the skillet for the next step—this little pause prevents sticking and keeps the flavors bright.

Step 2: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes

With the skillet prepped, add in the sweet potatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, remaining chili powder (2 teaspoons), remaining cumin (1 teaspoon), and more salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This gentle cook time lets the potatoes go silky and tender, soaking up all those toasty southwest flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Make It Cheesy

Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, return the cooked beef and onion mixture to the skillet. Give everything a careful but thorough stir so all the rich sauciness and vibrant veggies mingle together. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for another minute or so. That’s it—your Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet is irresistibly hot and bubbling, ready to devour!

How to Serve Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Don’t skip the final flourish! A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro brings freshness and color. If you have some on hand, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and a handful of sliced green onions make your skillet pop, both visually and flavorfully. A squeeze of lime on top is fantastic for brightness.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a meal in itself, but it’s also dreamy alongside warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a simple side of black beans or rice to round out the southwest vibe. If you’re feeling bold, serve with chips for a fun nacho-style dinner!

Creative Ways to Present

I love serving Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet straight from the pan—it’s humble, rustic, and undeniably inviting. For meal prepping or parties, scoop the mixture into oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil briefly for cute individual servings. Or, stuff it into halved bell peppers and bake for a wow-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers of your Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and get even cozier overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well—just skip the fresh garnishes until serving time. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave, or warm larger portions covered on the stovetop over low until hot throughout. If needed, add a splash of water to keep things moist, and always finish with fresh cheese or cilantro for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a meal that blends pure comfort with bold, southwest kick, give this Cheesy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet a whirl. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave in every season—easy, nourishing, and always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make it a staple at your table!

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