Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: the *southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet*! It’s a vibrant, one-pan wonder that comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy families like mine. I remember the first time I made it—I was racing against the clock after a long day, and this dish turned out to be a game changer! The sweet potatoes get all caramelized and soft, while the ground beef adds that hearty touch. Plus, the spices give it a delightful kick that just makes your taste buds dance! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and scrumptious dinner, this skillet dish will not disappoint. Trust me, it’s become a staple in our home, and I think it’ll be in yours too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 oz)
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you like!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Prepare Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of creating this delicious southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet! I promise, it’s easier than you think and oh-so-satisfying. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First up, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking—just enough to sauté those veggies!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. It’s the perfect time to enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
- Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You don’t want it to burn, so keep an eye on it. Garlic loves to turn brown quickly!
- Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the ground beef! Stir it in, breaking it up as you go, and cook until it’s browned all over—about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once the beef is perfectly browned, add in your diced sweet potatoes along with the chili powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together so those sweet potatoes get coated in all that flavorful goodness.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to become tender, so check them occasionally. Give them a stir halfway through to ensure even cooking!
- Finally, stir in the black beans and corn. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. And voila! Your skillet is ready to serve!
Serve it hot, and don’t hesitate to top it with avocado or cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of the *southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any personal modifications you make.
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
These hearty ingredients come together to give you a satisfying meal that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy knowing you’re feeding your body well while savoring every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 35 minutes from start to finish!
- One-pan cooking means less mess and easy cleanup, which is always a win in my book.
- The flavorful combination of juicy beef and sweet, tender sweet potatoes creates a delicious harmony in every bite.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet* turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you!
- Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when you add the garlic. For a milder version, you can tone down the chili powder a bit—it’s all about what your taste buds crave!
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of beef? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully here. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster.
- Vegetable Variations: Get creative with your veggies! You can add zucchini, spinach, or even kale to sneak in some extra greens. Just toss them in when the sweet potatoes are almost done cooking, so they don’t get mushy!
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to play with seasonings! A dash of smoked paprika or some fresh cilantro can elevate the flavor profile. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of lime juice at the end for a fresh kick!
- Perfect Sweet Potatoes: If you want to speed things up, you can microwave your diced sweet potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. This softens them up and cuts down on cooking time!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at whipping up this delicious skillet meal in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your *southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet*, you’re in for a treat! There are so many fun ways to add a twist to this delicious dish. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Different Veggies: Swap out the sweet potatoes for butternut squash or even regular potatoes. You can also throw in some chopped carrots or green beans for added crunch and color!
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices! Adding smoked paprika or a bit of chipotle powder can give your skillet a smoky depth, while a sprinkle of taco seasoning adds a fun twist.
- Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down nicely and add a nutritious boost to your meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: For a creamy finish, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top during the last couple of minutes of cooking and cover until melted. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of feta can take it to the next level!
- Beans Galore: Try different types of beans! White beans or pinto beans work wonderfully as a substitute for black beans, bringing their own unique flavor to the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Top your skillet with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for a burst of freshness. You could also stir in a handful of chopped green onions for extra flavor!
These variations will not only keep the dish exciting but also allow you to tailor it to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Have fun experimenting and enjoy the delicious results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of your delicious *southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet*? Lucky you! Storing and reheating this dish is super easy, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep it tasting just as good as when it was freshly cooked.
To store your skillet meal, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container—this keeps all those yummy flavors locked in! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should be good for about 2-3 months.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply take it out and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re reheating from frozen, you might want to let it thaw in the fridge overnight first, or you can pop it straight into a skillet on low heat, covering it to help it warm through without drying out.
Microwaving is also an option! Just place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (to keep the moisture in), and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it, as microwaves can vary in power. And there you go! Enjoy your flavorful skillet meal all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster, so be sure to keep an eye on it!
What can I use if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
No worries! You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different veggies may require different amounts of time to become tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or lentils for protein. You could also toss in some extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a hearty meal!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This skillet dish is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving!
What should I serve with this dish?
This *southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet* is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad, some tortilla chips, or even avocado slices on top for added creaminess!
Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet Bliss in 35 Minutes
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A flavorful southwestern ground beef and sweet potato skillet dish.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft.
- Add garlic, cook for another minute.
- Stir in ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in black beans and corn, cook until heated through.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Top with avocado or cheese if desired.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: Southwestern
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 400
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 7g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: southwestern ground beef sweet potato skillet
