When comfort food meets wholesome ingredients, magic happens in the skillet. This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder, packed with rich spices, juicy ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and melty cheese, all topped off with fresh cilantro. It’s hearty, flavorful, and exactly what weeknight dinners should be: satisfying and stress-free.


This dish brings together the vibrant essence of Tex-Mex cuisine and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, resulting in a meal that’s bold, balanced, and incredibly nourishing. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking for a hungry family, this skillet delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- One skillet, less mess.
- Naturally gluten-free and nutrient-rich.
- High in protein and fiber.
- Packed with smoky-sweet flavors.
- Ready in under 40 minutes.
What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?
For best results, go with 85% lean ground beef. It has just enough fat to keep things flavorful without turning greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, but you’ll want to bump up the seasoning if you do.
Ingredients for the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Each ingredient brings something special to the dish. Let’s walk through why they matter:
- Ground Beef – The hearty base of this dish. Rich and savory.
- Sweet Potatoes – Naturally sweet and nutrient-dense, they balance the spices.
- Onion and Garlic – Foundational flavors that build the skillet’s aromatic base.
- Bell Pepper – Adds color and crunch.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – A punch of acidity and mild heat.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika – The Southwest spice trio for that bold, warm flavor.
- Shredded Cheese – Melts beautifully into the skillet for that creamy finish.
- Cilantro – A fresh, herbaceous topping that cuts through the richness.
How To Make the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Season
Stir in chopped sweet potatoes, diced bell pepper, and the canned tomatoes with chilies. Sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce heat and cover. Let the mixture simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Uncover the skillet and sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for a couple minutes until melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped cilantro and serve hot, straight from the skillet.

How to Serve and Store Your Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This skillet serves 4 to 6 people generously. Serve it right from the pan with a side of warm tortillas or scoop it over rice for an extra-filling meal.
For storing, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
What to Serve With Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Creamy, tangy, and a perfect contrast to the smoky beef.
Cilantro Lime Rice
A zesty side that complements the skillet flavors.
Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
Add a creamy and crunchy element to the table.
Black Bean Salad
For an extra protein and fiber boost.
Sautéed Green Beans
A crisp, fresh side to balance the richness.
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Sweet, spicy, and ideal for soaking up the skillet juices.
Fresh Garden Salad
Keep it light with crisp greens and a lime vinaigrette.
Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this hearty skillet meal, you’ll definitely want to try these next:
- Creamy Beef and Shells – A Comforting One-Pan Delight
- Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole – A Comforting Delight
- Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add corn or black beans? Try a smoky chipotle twist?
I love seeing how these skillet dinners come alive in your kitchens. Share your tips and tweaks too!
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Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Ready for a bold and cozy one-skillet dinner? This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is packed with juicy beef, tender sweet potatoes, zesty spices, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a flavor bomb you’ll crave often! This hearty dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal prep. Loaded with protein, veggies, and flavor, it’s the kind of easy recipe that checks all the boxes for healthy dinner ideas, one-pan meals, comfort food, and easy food ideas that don’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until translucent.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until no longer pink.
3. Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and tomatoes with green chilies.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Uncover, sprinkle cheese evenly on top. Cover again until cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
Dice the sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
For a spicier twist, add a chopped chipotle pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy dinner, one-pan meal, healthy dinner, ground beef skillet, sweet potato recipes