Name: Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound lean ground beef 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 1 small red onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon chili powder; 0.5 teaspoon cumin; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika Salt and black pepper, to taste 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed; 0.5 cup corn (frozen or canned); 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro Optional: avocado slices, shredded cheese, lime wedges

If you’re after a one-pan dinner that’s equal parts hearty, healthy, and flavor-packed, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is your answer. It combines lean protein, vibrant veggies, and bold spices to create a dish that’s not only nutritious but deeply satisfying.

The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances beautifully with the savory spiced beef, black beans, and smoky seasoning. It’s a weeknight hero that also works for meal prep, and the best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best balance between flavor and nutrition, opt for lean ground beef (like 90/10 or 85/15). It still offers plenty of taste but with less grease to deal with during cooking. If you’re looking for even leaner, ground turkey or chicken also works well here.

Ingredients for the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional toppings: avocado slices, shredded cheese, lime wedges

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet 2

How To Make the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Continue cooking until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and lightly browned.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients with the spices.

Step 4: Add Beans and Corn

Mix in black beans and corn. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through.

Step 5: Finish with Cilantro

Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Top with optional toppings if desired and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Your Skillet Dinner

This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it over rice or scoop it into warm tortillas for a taco-style twist. Add a drizzle of lime crema or a dollop of sour cream to bring extra zing.

Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or just double the beans and corn for a protein-rich vegetarian option.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

What toppings go well with this?

Shredded cheddar, diced avocado, jalapeño slices, and fresh lime juice are all excellent choices.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

You don’t have to, especially if you like extra texture. Just scrub them well before dicing.

Can I use different beans?

Absolutely! Pinto beans or kidney beans also work well in this recipe.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If this Southwest skillet won you over, check out these other one-pan favorites:

Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole for a bubbly, baked version of taco night.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re craving comforting carbs.
Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet for another veggie-packed ground beef favorite.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken if you want dinner to make itself.
The Ultimate Taco Casserole for layers of flavor and melted cheese.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Follow me on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments—did you spice it up with jalapeños or add extra cheese? Did it become your go-to meal prep? I love seeing how you put your twist on these recipes.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pan wonder, packed with flavor and balanced nutrition. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that delivers protein, fiber, and vibrant color—all in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat ingredients evenly.

4. Mix in black beans and corn. Cook another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through.

5. Remove from heat, stir in chopped cilantro, and serve with optional toppings if desired.