Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet (Print version)
Hearty one-pan skillet with seasoned beef, tender sweet potatoes, and bold Southwest flavors ready in 35 minutes.
# What you'll need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef, preferably lean
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
03 - 1 small red onion, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
→ Spices & Seasonings
05 - 1 ½ tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Pantry & Oils
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Optional Toppings
11 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 - 1 avocado, sliced
13 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (omit for dairy-free)
# Method:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer beef to a plate.
02 - Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
06 - Uncover and cook another 2-3 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, avocado, and shredded cheese as desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Everything happens in one pan, so cleanup is almost nonexistent
- The sweet potatoes get these perfectly tender edges while still holding their shape
- It reheats beautifully for tomorrow's lunch, if there's any left
02 -
- Sweet potatoes vary in how quickly they cook, so test them with a fork before the final step
- Don't rush the initial beef browning, those browned bits add serious flavor to the vegetables
- If the pan seems too dry while the potatoes cook, splash in a tablespoon of water
03 -
- Cut your sweet potatoes while the beef is cooking to save precious minutes
- If you want extra heat, add diced jalapeño along with the onions