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Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
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This Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender ground beef, naturally sweet diced sweet potatoes, and a bold southwest spice blend. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a nutritious and colorful dinner with minimal cleanup, packed with protein, vitamins, and vibrant flavors that appeal to the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red or green), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Finely chop the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic cloves, setting all ingredients aside ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the sweet potatoes and beef evenly with the spices.
  5. Simmer with Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the rinsed black beans if using. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender but retain their shape.
  6. Final Touches: Remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes uncovered to allow any excess liquid to evaporate, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices like chili powder and cumin for deeper flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the beef; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
  • Simmer uncovered at the end to avoid watery texture and concentrate flavors.
  • Cut sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes for uniform cooking.
  • Let the skillet rest for a couple of minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: southwest beef skillet, sweet potato recipe, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal, southwest spices, ground beef skillet, healthy dinner

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