Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet (Printable Version)

A hearty one-pan dish with seasoned beef, sweet potatoes, and bold Southwest spices, ready in 35 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound 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 - 1½ teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Pantry & Oils

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Optional Toppings

11 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 - 1 avocado, sliced
13 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, omit for dairy-free

# Directions:

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, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
  • The sweet potatoes add this incredible sweetness that balances the heat perfectly
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
  • Dont rush the sweet potato stage, undercooked sweet potatoes are nobody's idea of a good time
  • If you want extra heat, add cayenne or a diced jalapeño when you add the onion
  • The uncovered finish step is crucial for texture, nobody wants watery skillet dinner
03 -
  • Use a large skillet with a lid, crowding the pan will steam instead of fry
  • Let the spices bloom in the hot oil for about 30 seconds before adding the beef back in
  • Room temperature sweet potatoes cook more evenly than cold from the fridge

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