Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
This Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is my answer to a quick, hearty dinner that’s full of bold flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s a one-pan wonder loaded with tender sweet potatoes, seasoned beef, and melty cheese that comes together effortlessly.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories:
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 90/10
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cut into ½” cubes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups kale shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (optional)
- ½ cup cilantro chopped for serving
- 1 avocado sliced for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned (5-6 minutes). Drain some of the excess fat if necessary, then transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
- Add diced onion to the same pan. Sauté on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, or until translucent. Remove to the same plate as the cooked beef.
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and diced sweet potatoes and cook on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes not to burn or until sweet potatoes are browned and soft inside.
- Once sweet potatoes are cooked, add in the beef and onions into the pan.
- Then add the minced garlic and the seasonings and cook for a minute.
- Add kale and mix it in well, let the kale cook down for a few minutes with the lid closed.
- If using cheese, add the shredded cheese and melt with the lid closed for a few minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Top with cilantro, a side of sliced avocado, you can also serve this with a side of salsa and hot sauce.
Notes
- Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate and develop a nice golden color.
- Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking and enough space for all the ingredients to mix well.
- If your sweet potatoes are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and cover the pan to help them soften through.
- Drain excess fat from the beef before adding it back to the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add the garlic and spices after the beef and vegetables are cooked to prevent them from burning and turning bitter.
- For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of lime juice over the finished dish before serving.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, let the skillet sit uncovered for a few minutes after adding the cheese so the edges caramelize slightly.
- This recipe is meal prep friendly. Store portions in airtight containers and reheat for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
- Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a spoonful of salsa just before serving for a burst of freshness.