If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that requires minimal fuss, allow me to gush about my current weeknight obsession: the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. This one-pan wonder marries the bold spices of the Southwest with sweet, creamy potatoes, all topped off with a melty layer of cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s speedy, satisfying, and every bite bursts with color and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pan, All the Flavor: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making cleanup a total breeze and letting flavors blend beautifully.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The combination of deeply spiced ground beef and naturally sweet potatoes is pure comfort and irresistibly tasty.
Quick and Wholesome: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe is packed with protein, veggies, and a pop of melty cheese for a balanced, filling meal.
Customizable Spice: You control the heat and seasoning, so it’s just as kid-friendly as it is grown-up approved!

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the ingredient list for this skillet keeps things simple while packing in so much flavor and vibrant color. Each element has a purpose—some for bold zest, others for cozy texture or that irresistible cheesy finish.

Olive oil: For sautéeing and adding a bit of rich flavor as your cooking base.
Diced onion: Brings a punchy sweetness and lots of savory depth to the beef.
Lean ground beef: The hearty protein base, bringing classic “taco night” flavor to every bite.
Chili powder & ground cumin: These Southwest staples infuse the skillet with earthy smokiness and a touch of heat.
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Fine-tune to taste for the perfect seasoning.
Grated garlic: Rounds out the spices with a bold, aromatic kick.
Peeled and diced sweet potatoes: Add creamy sweetness and brilliant color, balancing those spices beautifully.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Infuse a subtle charred depth and juicy acidity.
Canned diced green chiles: Bring tangy, mild heat and a bright Southwest essence.
Water: Helps everything simmer together and keeps the potatoes tender.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping—what’s not to love?
Cilantro (optional): For a fresh, herby pop just before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is endlessly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients! Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or pantry necessity, here are a few fun ways to make this dish your own.

Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist, or swap in black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Extra veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, corn, or even baby spinach at the end for extra nutrition and color.
Dairy-free delight: Skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based alternative for a totally dairy-free meal.
Spice level adjustment: Add a pinch of cayenne or use hot green chiles if you want more of a kick, or dial it back for a milder meal.

How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Onions

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef, letting the beef brown as you break it into crumbles with your spoon. Season the mixture with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper. Once the beef is nearly cooked through, stir in the grated garlic and let those fragrant flavors bloom for another minute. Move the beef mixture to a plate and wipe down your skillet to keep the next stage extra bright and fresh.

Step 2: Simmer the Sweet Potatoes

Add your peeled and diced sweet potatoes to the same skillet along with the fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and another dash of salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine, cover the skillet, and lower the heat to let it all simmer gently. Give it about 20 minutes—just enough time for the sweet potatoes to become tender but not mushy, soaking up all those delicious Southwest flavors.

Step 3: Bring Back the Beef and Finish

Return the cooked beef and onion mixture to the pan, stirring to combine it thoroughly with the sweet potatoes and all those saucy tomatoes. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then pop the lid back on for another minute or so—just until the cheese turns delightfully gooey and melts into every nook and cranny. Finish with a shower of chopped cilantro (if you like) right before serving for a fresh, herby pop.

Pro Tips for Making Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Dice Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Cutting the sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes ensures they cook through quickly and evenly—no mushy or underdone bites!
Bloom Your Spices: Sautéing the chili powder and cumin with the beef intensifies their savoriness and makes the entire skillet taste deeper and richer.
Don’t Skip the Lid: Keeping the skillet covered while the sweet potatoes simmer helps them cook faster and soak up more of the sauce and seasoning.
Finish with Freshness: Adding cilantro just before serving gives the whole dish a burst of color and aromatic flair that cuts through the hearty flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

This skillet practically begs for a flurry of toppings! Try freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños for some heat, or even a dash of hot sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top will brighten everything and make the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad. For a party, serve with chips and guacamole alongside for a complete Southwest-themed spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Use the skillet filling to make stuffed peppers, roll it up in burritos, or spoon it inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held variation. For gatherings, serve it right from the skillet at the table for a rustic, cozy look—everyone will love helping themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making every reheated bite just as delightful as the first night!

Freezing

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet freezes beautifully. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months—just be sure to let it thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in individual portions, stirring occasionally for even warming. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen things up, and top with extra cheese or fresh cilantro to reinvigorate those flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the oven, then add your garnishes fresh.
What protein substitutes work well for this recipe?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can easily stand in for beef. You can also use black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version without sacrificing the hearty, Southwest feel.
How can I make the skillet spicier or milder?

For more heat, use hot green chiles, toss in extra chili powder, or add a chopped jalapeño while cooking. To go milder, use mild green chiles and reduce the chili powder—it’s all easy to customize to your family’s tastes.
What’s the best way to prep sweet potatoes quickly?

Peel and dice them earlier in the day, then keep them submerged in a bowl of cool water in the fridge until ready to use. This trick prevents browning and makes prep time even quicker when dinnertime rolls around!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, it’ll become your go-to when life gets busy but flavor still matters. It’s pure comfort in a pan—inviting, customizable, and packed with all the Southwest flair you crave. Grab your skillet, and let’s make dinner something to look forward to!

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe