Spicy Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this flavorful Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe! I stumbled upon this gem during a hectic week and it has since become a staple on our dinner menu. In just 35 minutes, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to enjoy, all cooked in one pan.

The magic happens when the sweet potatoes caramelize, the ground beef gets perfectly seasoned, and all the flavors come together with that Southwest sauce. This dish is not only a time-saver but also a crowd-pleaser. Picky eaters in my household gobble it up every time, and the best part is, there’s minimal cleanup involved. If you’re looking for a meal that’s a game-changer for your busy nights, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is the answer.

Quick Benefits

• Convenience: Ready in 35 minutes, all in one pan – perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
• Flavorful: Sweet potatoes caramelize, beef gets seasoned, and fresh toppings add a burst of flavor.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with ingredient swaps, such as ground turkey, black beans, or mushrooms.
• Family-Friendly: Picky eaters love it, great for leftovers, and can be served with various sides for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Family Favorite: The sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully, the beef is perfectly seasoned, and the Southwest sauce ties everything together, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish based on what you have in your fridge or dietary preferences, making it a great option for meal prep or using up ingredients.
• Flavorful: The blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and salsa verde adds a delicious Southwest flair to the dish that will keep you coming back for more.
• Adaptable: Whether you use fresh or frozen sweet potatoes, ground turkey, or even make a vegetarian version with mushrooms, this recipe can easily adapt to your taste and dietary needs.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch, portion it out, and enjoy delicious leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for convenient grab-and-heat meals.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve this dish in warm tortillas, over rice, or with a simple green salad on the side. Add garnishes like fresh cilantro, avocado, and sour cream to take it to the next level.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether served with warm crusty cornbread, guacamole, or as taco fillings, this dish combines comfort food with fresh, vibrant ingredients that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Spicy Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground coriander (1 teaspoon).
• Ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10 (1 pound).
• Sweet onion (1 large).
• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon).
• Jalapeño, sliced (optional).
• Ground cumin (2 teaspoons).
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup, optional).
• Sour cream (optional).
• Sweet potatoes (2 medium).
• Vine or Campari tomatoes (4).
• Fresh garlic cloves (4).
• Shredded cheese (1 cup).
• Salsa verde.

Pro Tips for Spicy Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Pro Tips:

1. For a time-saving hack, consider using frozen sweet potatoes on busy days. They caramelize beautifully in the skillet without the need for peeling and chopping fresh ones.

2. To enhance the flavors, opt for fresh salsa verde from your local market instead of bottled varieties. The freshness and depth of flavor it adds to the dish are worth it.

3. When browning the ground beef, make sure to drain the excess grease afterward to avoid ending up with a greasy dinner. This step ensures a lighter and more enjoyable final dish.

How to Make Spicy Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Step 01

Cook sweet potato chunks in oil on medium heat until caramelized.

Step 2: Step 02

After setting the potatoes aside, cook the onions until tender.

Step 3: Step 03

Brown the beef, then stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, and garlic.

Step 4: Step 04

Mix in salsa verde and cook potatoes until tender.

Step 5: Step 05

Sprinkle cheese on top and add optional garnishes.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, storing any leftovers properly is key to maintaining freshness and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 days. When reheating, adding a small splash of broth while heating will help keep the dish moist and flavorful. Additionally, for those looking to plan ahead, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portioning it into containers before freezing allows for easy grab-and-heat meals in the future.

To enhance the dining experience when serving this flavorful skillet dish, consider pairing it with warm crusty cornbread, guacamole, or a quick Mexican slaw. The cool and creamy sides complement the warm and spicy flavors of the dish perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, try filling warmed tortillas with the delicious mixture, adding crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a swirl of sour cream to create tasty tacos. This creative remix can be a hit with the family and offers a fresh way to enjoy the leftovers.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. If ground beef is not preferred or available, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a meatless version of this dish.

If you don’t have fresh sweet potatoes on hand, frozen sweet potatoes can be a convenient substitute, especially on busy days. Additionally, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

When it comes to spices, you can use a pre-mixed Southwest seasoning blend instead of individual spices like cumin and coriander to save time without compromising on flavor. If you don’t have salsa verde, you can substitute it with your favorite salsa or a combination of salsa and green chilies for a similar tangy kick. Don’t be afraid to customize this skillet dish with your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider turning this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet into a build-your-own taco bar! Set out warm tortillas, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and any other favorite taco toppings. Let everyone assemble their own tacos with the flavorful beef and sweet potato mixture as the base. This interactive and fun meal idea is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Another serving suggestion is to transform this skillet dish into loaded sweet potato skins. Scoop out baked sweet potato halves, fill them with the Southwest ground beef mixture, and top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. These loaded sweet potato skins make for a delicious and satisfying appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Spicy Southwest Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. It will work well with the Southwest flavors and sweet potatoes in this skillet.

How long does this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet last as leftovers?

Leftovers of this skillet dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days. When reheating, adding a splash of broth can help keep the dish moist and flavorful.

Can I freeze this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet for later?

Yes, this skillet meal freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it into containers for easy grab-and-heat meals when you need a quick and delicious option on hand.

What are some suggested side dishes to serve with this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

This skillet pairs well with warm crusty cornbread, guacamole, or a quick Mexican slaw. The cool and creamy sides complement the warm and spicy flavors of the skillet perfectly for a satisfying meal.

Conclusion

I hope this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet finds a warm place in your recipe rotation just like it has in mine. It’s a lifesaver on busy days, a crowd-pleaser on family nights, and a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the Southwest in one satisfying dish. Remember, cooking is all about making it work for you, so feel free to customize this skillet to your liking and make it your own.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore the joys of cooking, this skillet dish is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. From its simple preparation to its versatile nature, the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet embodies the essence of home-cooked meals that nourish both body and soul. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and savor every flavorful bite of this delightful dish. Cheers to happy cooking and hearty meals!