Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite dish—the southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet! This meal brings together the heartiness of ground beef with the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, creating a flavor explosion that just makes you feel good inside. Seriously, every bite is like a cozy hug! I love how the bell peppers and spices add that perfect kick, making it a fun, vibrant dish that never fails to impress. Plus, it’s a one-skillet wonder, which means less mess and more time to savor every delicious bite. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll find a permanent place in your weekly meal rotation. It’s perfect for busy nights, and it’s just so satisfying! You’re gonna love it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet is super simple to whip up, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. This step is crucial because it creates a lovely base for your dish, adding richness and flavor to everything that follows. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers a bit—just like magic!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant, but not browned. You want that sweet aroma to fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. You’ll want to check that there’s no pink left—cooking it thoroughly ensures a delicious and safe meal!
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Spices
Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Give it a good mix so that the spices coat everything evenly. This is where the flavor really starts to come alive!
Step 5: Stir in Black Beans and Corn
Next up, add in the drained black beans and corn. Mix everything together well, making sure the beans and corn are evenly distributed. This adds a beautiful texture and heartiness to the skillet.
Step 6: Cover and Cook
Now, cover your skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. This step is so important because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while the sweet potatoes soften into deliciousness.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Finally, season your masterpiece with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s what brings everything together! Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. And there you have it—a wonderfully vibrant southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 35 minutes!
- One-skillet dish means less cleanup, hooray!
- Hearty, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes and black beans for a wholesome meal.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family.
- Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it together!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet absolutely perfect! Here are some of my go-to tips that’ll take your dish from great to *amazing*:
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Go for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any blemishes. They’ll cook better and add that lovely sweetness we all love!
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time with the onion and garlic. The longer you sauté them (without burning!), the more flavor you’ll build for your skillet.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños with the veggies. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes at the end for an extra kick!
- Mix Up the Protein: If you want to switch things up, try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can even go vegetarian by substituting with more beans or lentils!
- Use Fresh Herbs: Besides cilantro, you can also experiment with parsley or even green onions as a garnish. Fresh herbs really elevate the flavors.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and store the leftovers in the fridge. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week!
- Serve with Toppings: Consider topping your skillet with avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even some shredded cheese for added creaminess and flavor!
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own, so feel free to play around with these tips and enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk about the numbers! This southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. But rest assured, you’re getting a well-balanced meal that’s hearty and satisfying!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I get along with my answers:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While I love using ground beef for its flavor, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want to go vegetarian, consider adding more beans, lentils, or even some textured vegetable protein to keep it hearty!
What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
No problem at all! You can substitute regular potatoes or even butternut squash if you prefer. Just remember that the cooking time might vary, so check for tenderness as you go!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This skillet is super versatile. Feel free to toss in zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly!
How can I spice it up?
If you like a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when you add the spices. You can also finish it off with some hot sauce for an extra kick!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and it’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat thoroughly before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from your southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet! First off, let the skillet cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This will keep everything fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—trust me, it makes for fantastic meal prep.
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is super easy! You can pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat it evenly. If you prefer the stovetop, just add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and heat it over medium-low until warmed through. Just be careful not to overcook it, or the sweet potatoes might get mushy!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the skillet! Just make sure to portion it out in freezer-safe containers. It’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. You’re all set for a cozy meal anytime you want!
For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, you can find some great tips here.
For a delicious side dish to accompany your skillet, consider making a Greek salad.
Imprimer
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Bliss in 35 Mins
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet dish packed with flavor.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- Stir in black beans and corn.
- Cover and cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- This dish can be served with rice or tortillas.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 8g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet