If you’re looking for a flavorful and hearty dinner that combines spicy Southwest zest with the natural sweetness of potatoes, you’ve found your new favorite: the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. This dish is a vibrant one-pan wonder that marries tender ground beef with smoky spices and sweet, tender sweet potatoes, all topped with melty cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. It’s comforting, colorful, and packed with bold flavors that your whole family will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dish mostly made of cooked ground meat mixed with bright orange cubes, likely sweet potatoes. There are small bits of red scattered throughout, possibly tomatoes, and the dish is topped with melted light yellow cheese that stretches slightly across the surface. Fresh green herb leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a pop of color. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the left, stirring the dish. The dish has a rich, warm color palette of orange, brown, red, and green, with a slightly creamy texture from the melted cheese. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes this skillet meal sing. From the smoky chili powder to the creamy cheese, every element plays a starring role.

Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a subtle richness.
Diced onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that deepens the flavor.
Lean ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish filling and robust.
Chili powder: Brings that essential smoky, spicy Southwest kick.
Ground cumin: Offers an earthy warmth that complements the chili powder.
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
Grated garlic: Provides a fragrant punch of flavor to the beef.
Sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced, they balance the spice with a lovely natural sweetness and hearty texture.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Add a smoky, tangy depth and a juicy texture.
Canned diced green chiles: Bring a mild heat and wonderful complexity.
Water: Helps the sweet potatoes cook perfectly tender without drying out the skillet.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top, adding creamy, sharp goodness.
Cilantro: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh, herbal finish.

How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, and break up the beef with a wooden spoon while it cooks. Season with half the chili powder, half the cumin, salt, and pepper. When the beef is nearly cooked through, stir in the grated garlic and cook for an additional minute to let all those flavors meld. Then, transfer the beef mixture to a plate and wipe out the skillet to prepare for the next step.

Step 2: Simmer Sweet Potatoes and Veggies

Next, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, remaining chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the now-empty skillet. Give everything a good stir, then cover the pan with a lid. Lower the heat to let it gently simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and beautifully infused with all the spices and tomato juices.

Step 3: Combine Beef and Sweet Potatoes, Then Add Cheese

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, return the cooked ground beef mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together until combined and heated through. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover again to let the cheese melt to gooey perfection—this only takes about a minute. The cheese adds an irresistible creamy layer that brings it all together.

How to Serve Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a textured edge holding a colorful dish made of cooked ground meat mixed with small orange cubes and bits of red tomatoes, topped with melted cheese and sprinkled fresh green cilantro leaves. On the left side of the plate, there are five thin slices of vibrant green avocado neatly fanned out. At the bottom center, two bright green lime wedges rest side-by-side. A silver fork is placed on the top right edge of the plate, slightly resting on the food. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a soft natural light coming from the top left, casting gentle shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh cilantro on top not only brightens the dish with some herbal freshness but also adds a lovely pop of green that makes the skillet irresistibly inviting. You can also sprinkle some extra chili powder or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing if you love that Southwest flair.

Side Dishes

This skillet is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some warm corn tortillas to scoop up the cheesy, spicy goodness. A side of black beans or a corn salsa would also beautifully complement the vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or even stuff the mixture inside baked sweet potatoes for a handheld option. You could also top it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and balance the spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for planning weekday meals with minimal fuss.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this skillet meal for up to 2 months. Just transfer to freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Sweet potatoes tend to hold up well to freezing, but the texture might be a bit softer when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts until heated through, topping with a little extra cheese if you want to revive that melty magic.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative and will still take on all those wonderful Southwest spices beautifully.

Are there any good substitutions for sweet potatoes?

Yes, but sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and texture you won’t want to miss. If needed, you could use butternut squash or regular potatoes, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free canned ingredients and seasonings, which most typical brands are.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Feel free to add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to amp up the heat according to your taste buds.

What can I do if I don’t have fire roasted tomatoes?

You can substitute regular diced tomatoes, but the smoky note from the fire roasted variety really elevates the dish, so using them if possible is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is truly a gem to have in your dinner repertoire. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal bursting with delicious flavors and textures that feel both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a flavorful weeknight option, this dish will quickly become one you turn to again and again. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it yours!

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe