Delicious Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

There’s something magical about the way flavors meld in a Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Imagine savory ground beef sizzling away, mingling with sweet potatoes that soften and caramelize, bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. garlic butter steak noodles sweet potato casserole recipe The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug, promising a delightful meal that feels both comforting and exciting. For more inspiration, check out this Taco Bowl with Ground Beef recipe.

Growing up, we often gathered around the dinner table for hearty meals like this skillet dish. I remember my mom whipping it up after a long day, and the whole house would fill with mouthwatering scents of spices and roasted sweetness. easy weeknight foil packets It was a perfect weeknight dinner, easy to prepare yet packed with flavor that made everyone smile.

I vividly recall my best friend’s reaction the first time she tried this dish at my place; her eyes lit up as she savored each bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor; it cooks evenly and absorbs spices beautifully.

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm sweet potatoes; their natural sweetness balances perfectly with the savory beef.

• Red Bell Pepper: This adds crunch and sweetness; slice it thinly for even cooking and vibrant color.

• Onion: A robust onion enhances flavor; yellow or red onions work well for this recipe. hearty zuppa toscana soup.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the aroma; use minced cloves for an intense punch of flavor.

• Cumin: A staple spice in Southwestern cuisine; it adds warmth and depth to the dish.

• Paprika: Smoked paprika brings a subtle smokiness; feel free to use regular if you prefer less heat.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing; choose extra-virgin olive oil for additional flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: Use chopped cilantro as a garnish to brighten the dish with freshness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust them according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing and peeling your sweet potatoes, then chop them into small cubes. Dice your red bell pepper, onion, and mince garlic. Having everything prepped makes cooking smoother.

Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes, filling your kitchen with their sweet aroma.

Add Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns, cooking until no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Toss in Sweet Potatoes: Mix in sweet potato cubes along with cumin and paprika. Stir everything together so that those beautiful spices envelop every ingredient!

Add Bell Peppers and Garlic: After about 5 minutes of cooking sweet potatoes, add bell peppers and garlic. Cook until both soften slightly but retain their crunch—about another 3-4 minutes will do.

Finish Cooking: Lower heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything simmer until sweet potatoes are tender and fully cooked—10-15 minutes should be just right! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Enjoy this flavorful masterpiece straight from the skillet or serve it alongside rice or tortillas for an extra treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet while chopping sweet potatoes. Once browned, add diced sweet potatoes and cook until tender. This method ensures everything cooks evenly and saves you time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add black beans for more protein. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to preserve texture and taste.

It was a regular Tuesday night when I first served this dish to my friends. The kitchen filled with scents so inviting that I almost forgot about the burnt cookies I had made last week!

FAQ

How long does it take to cook Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?

For more inspiration, check out this Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.

Cooking this dish takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.

Can I substitute sweet potatoes with another vegetable?

Yes, you can use butternut squash or regular potatoes as alternatives.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! It stores well and makes fantastic leftovers throughout the week.

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Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

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• Author: Mariska Dische
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan meal that captures the essence of comfort food with a twist. This dish combines juicy ground beef with tender sweet potatoes, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic spices, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent (3-5 minutes).
2. Increase heat slightly, add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns (5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in sweet potatoes, cumin, and paprika; mix well.
4. After about 5 minutes, add bell peppers and garlic; cook until softened but still crunchy (3-4 minutes).
5. Lower heat, cover the skillet, and let simmer until sweet potatoes are tender (10-15 minutes). Stir occasionally.
6. Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg