How to make Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup yellow onion, diced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon oregano
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup water
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Directions:

Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the ground beef into large chunks and cook until browned. Drain off any extra fat.
Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute.
Add in the cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, and water. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
Remove the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid.
Remove the pan from heat. Add the cheese and replace the lid. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes for the cheese to melt. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is not just delicious but also very nutritious. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans offers a balance of protein and fiber, making it satisfying and wholesome. If you’re looking for a quick meal that’s packed with flavor, this skillet recipe is an excellent choice. For a similar hearty dish, check out this high-protein ground beef potato skillet that combines similar ingredients in a delightful way.

Nutritional Benefits

Using sweet potatoes in this recipe adds numerous health benefits. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. The lean ground beef provides high-quality protein necessary for muscle growth and repair. Moreover, beans boost fiber intake, which is great for digestion. Incorporating such ingredients can lead to a balanced diet, which is easy to achieve with this recipe. You may also find High Protein Ground Beef Potato Skillet 2 useful.

What to Serve With Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

This dish stands well on its own, but you can amplify your dining experience by pairing it with a fresh side salad or some avocado slices. For a more filling option, try serving it with cornbread for a complementary taste. If you’re in the mood for something different, consider a quick taco bowl, which can be made easily with leftover ingredients from taco bowls with sweet potatoes and ground beef.

How to Store Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

You can store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If you’d like to prepare a larger batch for later, remember to keep the cheese separate until you’re ready to eat, as it may not reheat well. You may also find Hot Honey Beef Sweet Potato Boats 2 useful.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

To get the best flavor, don’t rush the browning of the beef. Cook it until it’s well browned for maximum taste. Also, ensure that you cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to achieve even cooking. If you’d like to spice things up, consider adding some jalapeños. When providing seasoning, always taste as you go; it’s easier to add than to subtract! For another delicious variation, try using sweet potato boats filled with similar ingredients from this hot honey beef sweet potato boats recipe.

Variations

Feel free to mix things up by substituting the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian option. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder to adjust the dish’s heat and smokiness. Incorporating other vegetables like zucchini or corn can also enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! The Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a sealed container.

3. What toppings work best with this dish?
Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added freshness. You can also garnish with lime wedges for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!