The aroma of sizzling ground beef mixed with sweet potatoes and a hint of spice fills the air, instantly making your mouth water. This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is not just a meal; it’s an adventure on a plate, bringing together flavors that dance in harmony. taco stuffed shells sweet potato hash recipe taco bowl with ground beef
Imagine setting the table, the colorful skillet at the center, ready to impress family or friends. You can almost hear their enthusiastic gasps when they take their first bite, each spoonful bursting with deliciousness and warmth. Perfect for those busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings, this dish promises not just nourishment but a delightful culinary experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy families
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a savory-sweet combo that’s hard to resist
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors from fresh veggies, it’s like a fiesta on your plate
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or as a filling side for your favorite protein
Sharing this dish with my family once led to an impromptu dance party in the kitchen when they declared it their new favorite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease while maintaining flavor; it’s the heart of our skillet.
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Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm sweet potatoes; they add natural sweetness and beautiful color to the dish. For more inspiration, check out this country ranch green beans recipe.
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Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors—red, yellow, and green—for visual appeal and added nutrients.
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Onion: A medium onion provides the perfect aromatic base; go for yellow or white varieties for sweetness.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates flavor; minced or chopped works best if you want that pungent kick.
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Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices pack a flavorful punch—adjust according to your taste preference!
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding depth of flavor.
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Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil adds richness; it’s great for sautéing all those delicious ingredients.
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Fresh Cilantro (optional): Chopped fresh cilantro at the end brings brightness and freshness to every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by dicing the sweet potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly. Chop bell peppers and onions finely while mincing garlic for that aromatic touch.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onions and bell peppers until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Ground Beef: Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Ensure there are no pink bits left; we want fully cooked goodness!
Mix in Spices: Sprinkle in cumin and chili powder once the meat is browned. Stir well to coat everything evenly with those tantalizing spices.
Add Sweet Potatoes: Toss in those cubed sweet potatoes next along with chicken broth. Cover and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
Finish It Off: Once sweet potatoes are fork-tender, taste for seasoning adjustments if needed. Stir in fresh cilantro right before serving to elevate those vibrant flavors.
Enjoy serving this delightful Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet hot off the stove! The combination of textures will leave you craving more with each bite. crispy baked sweet potato.
You Must Know
- This Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a delightful mix of flavors and textures
- The hearty beef pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes, creating a dish that’s both comforting and filling
- It’s a meal that can easily become a family favorite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. While that sizzles, chop sweet potatoes, then add them to the pan with spices for even cooking. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef and potatoes casserole recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spices for an aromatic kick; they elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile significantly
- Chop sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect texture
- Taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can make all the difference in deliciousness
Cooking this dish brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, relishing every bite and sharing laughter over seconds.
FAQ
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet?
Pair it with a side salad or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.
How long does it take to cook sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes should cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience a flavorful adventure with this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. This vibrant dish combines sizzling ground beef, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables, seasoned to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet that will impress family and friends alike. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience worth sharing!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups diced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Dice sweet potatoes into small cubes. Finely chop bell peppers and onions; mince garlic.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in cumin and chili powder, mixing well to coat.
- Combine with sweet potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes and chicken broth; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Final touches: Adjust seasoning if needed, stir in fresh cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
