Easy One-Pan Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

If you’re craving a quick and hearty dinner packed with flavor, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is your new go-to. Made in just one pan, this wholesome dish combines lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, black beans, and corn with bold Southwest spices like cumin and smoked paprika. It’s a balanced, colorful meal that’s naturally gluten-free and alcohol-free, making it perfect for families looking for a clean, comforting dinner option.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights, easy meal prep, or feeding a crowd. The sweet and savory combo of the beef and sweet potatoes, plus the customizable toppings (like avocado, lime, or Greek yogurt), make every bite satisfying. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this skillet is a fast favorite for anyone who loves bold, nourishing meals.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest ground beef and sweet potato skillet

There’s a lot to love about this one-skillet wonder. First, it’s incredibly easy—no complicated steps or fancy tools needed. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Second, it’s packed with flavor: smoky spices, hearty ground beef, and sweet potatoes come together for a balanced, crave-worthy dish.

It’s also healthy and flexible. You’re getting protein, fiber, and vitamins all in one meal. You can adjust the spice level, skip the cheese for a dairy-free option, or swap in ground turkey or lentils for a different twist. Plus, it stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or prepping for the week, this skillet is satisfying, family-friendly, and full of flavor you’ll come back to again and again.

What You’ll Need

This skillet dinner uses easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients packed with flavor and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 cup black beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup water or low-sodium broth

Spices:

• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:
Avocado, lime, cilantro, shredded cheese, or Greek yogurt

How to Make Southwest ground beef and sweet potato skillet

This skillet comes together quickly in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to cook it from start to finish:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Veggies:
   Peel and dice your sweet potatoes into small cubes (about ½ inch). Dice the bell peppers and chop the onion. Rinse the black beans and corn if using canned.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for about 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and lightly brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped red onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Add the Spices:
   Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef.
5. Combine Everything:
   Return the sweet potatoes to the pan. Add the bell peppers, black beans, and corn. Pour in ¼ cup of water or broth to help steam the veggies slightly. Cover and simmer for 6–8 minutes, or until everything is tender and well combined.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Remove the lid and let it cook another 1–2 minutes to reduce any excess liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor.

This dish is ready in under 30 minutes and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep staple.

You Must Know

To get the best results, chop your sweet potatoes small so they cook evenly and fast. A ½-inch dice is perfect for a tender texture with golden edges.

Use lean ground beef to avoid grease—90% lean or more is ideal. And don’t skip the spices! The cumin, paprika, and chili powder give it that bold Southwest flavor. Adjust spice levels to your heat preference.

Lastly, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, pork-free, and alcohol-free. It’s great for busy families, meal prep, or anyone looking for a clean, hearty dinner.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing sweet potatoes until golden—they need a head start to get tender. Brown your beef separately and add the spices while it cooks for deeper flavor.

Add veggies and broth last, cover to steam, then uncover to let flavors concentrate and liquid reduce.

Top with lime, avocado, or cheese for extra flair. Small details like these take this easy skillet from good to great—every time.

Add Your Touch

This skillet is super flexible—perfect for customizing to your taste or dietary needs. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.

You can also play with toppings:
– Add shredded cheese or a dairy-free option
– Top with avocado slices or guacamole
– Drizzle with lime juice for brightness
– Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh finish

Turn leftovers into tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. This recipe is your canvas—make it yours!

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Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? No problem. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Microwave? Cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

This dish also freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed—flavors stay bold and delicious.

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Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Cut evenly: Dice sweet potatoes and veggies the same size so they cook at the same rate.
• Brown the beef well: Let it sear without stirring too much—this adds more flavor.
• Spice it your way: Start mild and taste as you go. You can always add heat later.
• Don’t skip the steam step: Adding a splash of broth and covering the pan softens everything evenly.
• Finish fresh: A squeeze of lime or fresh herbs at the end really brightens the dish.

These simple tricks take your skillet from good to amazing!

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken both work well—just season generously for full flavor.

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Is this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Can I meal prep this?
Yes. It stores and reheats great—perfect for lunchboxes or busy nights.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Just skip cheese or use a plant-based version. Greek yogurt toppings can be swapped with dairy-free yogurt or guac.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze cooled portions in containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Flavorful Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is everything you want in a dinner: fast, filling, and full of bold, wholesome flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this one-pan recipe makes it easy to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s naturally gluten-free, pork-free, and alcohol-free, packed with lean protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—spice it up, keep it mild, or make it vegetarian. However you serve it, this skillet delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Give it a try tonight—and don’t forget to top it with your favorite extras!