The first time I made this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, I was racing the clock on a weeknight when everyone was starving. My kids were coloring at the counter while the pan sizzled, filling the kitchen with the smell of cumin, chili, and roasted sweetness. In half an hour, we were gathered around the table, plates loaded and laughter echoing through the room. That’s when I knew this skillet would become a regular in our house.
There’s something comforting about meals that come together fast yet taste slow-cooked. This one is hearty, slightly sweet from the potatoes, and full of smoky flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s not fancy food, it’s real dinner, made simple.
Table of Contents
Why This One-Pan Meal Works So Well
- Ready fast: It cooks in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal cleanup: One pan means fewer dishes and no stress.
- Family-friendly flavor: A balance of mild spice and cozy sweetness.
- Flexible: Great with rice, wrapped in tortillas, or enjoyed solo.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or quick reheat lunches.
When I first started experimenting with skillet dinners, I learned that simple ingredients can make bold meals. That same approach inspired other weeknight favorites like this Salisbury steak with rich brown gravy and the comforting cheesy ground beef enchiladas that my family requests constantly.
If you enjoy creamy or hearty beef dishes, you’ll also love my beef and rice casserole with ranch flavor and the ground beef pasta bake layered with mozzarella. Both pair perfectly with this skillet on rotation nights when you want that same satisfying warmth without extra work.
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
- large skillet
- wooden spoon or spatula
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10%)
- 5 tsp chili powder, divided
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp grated garlic
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with 3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper.
- When nearly cooked, stir in grated garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer beef to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
- Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green chiles, water, and remaining spices. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until tender.
- Return beef to skillet and stir. Top with cheese, cover until melted, then garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- For the best texture, cut sweet potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook faster and stay tender.
- Use lean ground beef (90/10%) for balanced flavor without extra grease.
- If you prefer a bit more heat, add a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder.
- To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese and top with diced avocado or dairy-free shreds.
- This recipe keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or in tortillas for tacos or burritos.
- Always brown the beef first before adding vegetables to keep flavors rich and layered.
- Great for meal prep—portion into airtight containers for quick lunches.
- For a lighter option, ground turkey works beautifully with the same seasonings.
- Fresh cilantro or green onions make a great finishing touch before serving.
🍽 Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving, calculated for 4 servings)| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 486 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 431 mg |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
Ingredients and Flavor Foundation for a Southwest Skillet
Every great skillet starts with simple ingredients that bring warmth and texture. This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet blends savory beef, smoky seasoning, and a hint of sweetness in perfect balance. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few staples you likely already have.
The Base Ingredients
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- Yellow Onion (½ cup, diced): Builds the flavor base with gentle sweetness.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose 90/10 for the best mix of tenderness and flavor.
- Garlic (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds depth and aroma, freshly grated is best.
- Sweet Potatoes (2 cups, peeled and diced): Their natural sweetness balances the spices perfectly.
Cooking tip: If you love creamy sauces with your beef dishes, check out this parmesan garlic bowtie pasta for another comforting one-pan idea.
Southwest Seasoning & Extras
- Chili Powder (5 teaspoons, divided): Brings warmth without overpowering heat.
- Ground Cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds that unmistakable Southwest smokiness.
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Adds tang and color.
- Diced Green Chiles (4 oz can): Mildly spicy and flavorful—use mild or hot to taste.
- Water (¼ cup): Helps steam and soften the sweet potatoes.
- Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for a creamy finish.
- Cilantro (optional): Adds brightness before serving.
Flavor boost: A dash of smoked paprika can deepen the Southwest notes.
Pantry Check Before You Start
- Kosher salt and black pepper to season.
- A large non-stick skillet with lid.
- Wooden spoon for breaking up the beef.
If you love skillet dinners with a creamy tomato base, you’ll also enjoy this ground beef orzo in tomato cream sauce, it uses similar pantry staples and keeps cleanup light.
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Cooking this skillet is as easy as it gets. You’ll brown the beef, simmer the sweet potatoes, and finish it all with melty cheese and fresh cilantro. Follow these simple steps, and dinner will be ready in 30 minutes or less.
Cooking the Ground Beef and Building the Base
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ½ cup diced onion and 1 pound lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of grated garlic, letting it cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
Pro tip: For another comforting beef dinner that’s just as easy, check out my cheesy hamburger rice casserole, it’s a family-friendly classic that reheats beautifully.
Simmering the Sweet Potatoes and Finishing with Cheese
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes, 4 oz diced green chiles, ¼ cup water, and the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder plus 1 teaspoon cumin.
- Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add the cooked beef mixture back to the skillet. Stir well so everything combines.
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and cook for 1–2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Optional idea: Serve it over quinoa or scoop it into soft tortillas for a quick twist. If you like creamy tomato-based dishes, you’ll enjoy my ground beef orzo in tomato cream sauce, it shares that same rich, satisfying flavor profile.
Quick Cooking Tips
- Cut sweet potatoes into even, small cubes for faster cooking.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and top with mashed avocado instead.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or use hot green chiles.
- This dish reheats perfectly, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Serving Ideas, Storage Tips, and Tasty Variations
A skillet like this deserves more than one way to enjoy it. Whether you’re feeding your family right away or planning lunches for the week, these simple serving ideas and variations make the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet even more flexible.
Delicious Ways to Serve This Skillet Dinner
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the mixture over warm brown rice, white rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- In a Bowl: Serve it as a hearty bowl with avocado slices, chopped lettuce, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Taco or Burrito Filling: Wrap it in tortillas for a fun twist on taco night. Add a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro for brightness.
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the rich flavors and keeps dinner light.
- Solo: It’s perfectly satisfying on its own, packed with protein and healthy carbs.
If you’re into skillet-style meals that hit the comfort zone, my ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella is another easy option that pairs perfectly with a simple salad.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat for Later
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Skip the cheese until reheating. Keeps well for 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
- Meal Prep Tip: Divide into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.
For cozy, freezer-friendly dishes that reheat beautifully, try my cheesy ranch beef and rice casserole, it’s a crowd favorite that’s just as easy to make ahead.
Easy Ways to Switch It Up
- Change the Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra texture.
- Make It Spicier: Add chipotle powder or diced jalapeños.
- Go Dairy-Free: Replace cheese with avocado or dairy-free shreds.
- Add Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas right before serving.
Each variation keeps the dish simple but makes it feel new every time. That’s why this recipe stays in rotation in my kitchen, it adapts easily without losing that bold, Southwest-style flavor.
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet FAQs
Can you cook ground beef and potatoes in the same pan?
Yes. Ground beef and potatoes cook perfectly together. Brown the beef first, then add diced potatoes so they absorb flavor as they soften. It’s an efficient and flavorful one-pan method.
Should I cook potatoes or ground beef first?
Cook the ground beef first. Once browned, remove it and cook the potatoes in the same pan. The beef’s natural fat adds great flavor to the sweet potatoes.
What meat pairs well with sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes pair well with beef, turkey, or chicken. Their sweetness balances out smoky, savory proteins perfectly.
What is a Mexican dish with potatoes and ground beef?
A well-known dish is Picadillo, made with ground beef, potatoes, and tomatoes simmered in spices. It’s often served with rice or tortillas.
Can I cook raw meat and potatoes together?
Yes, but start by browning the meat for safety and better texture. Add the potatoes afterward so they cook evenly without turning soggy.
Are yams and sweet potatoes the same?
No. Yams have thick, rough skin and are starchier. Sweet potatoes have thin skin and a naturally sweeter flavor.
Are sweet potatoes good for diabetics?
Yes, in moderation. They have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes and provide fiber, vitamins, and slow-burning carbs.
Can you cook ground beef and veggies in the same pan?
Absolutely. Add vegetables like onions, peppers, or corn after the beef begins to brown. It builds flavor without overcooking.
Is it better to cook ground beef with butter or oil?
Olive or avocado oil works best. These oils help brown the meat evenly while keeping the flavor light.
What foods should not be eaten with potatoes?
Avoid pairing potatoes with other heavy starches like white bread or pasta. For a balanced meal, serve with lean proteins and vegetables.
This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet captures everything a weeknight dinner should be, quick, hearty, and full of flavor. With smoky spices, tender sweet potatoes, and perfectly browned beef, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes everyone happy at the table.
Cooking at home should feel rewarding, not rushed. That’s what this recipe delivers: simple steps, rich flavor, and easy cleanup. Try it once, and it’ll become part of your regular rotation, the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the kitchen.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love my creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta or ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella for another cozy dinner night.