Southwest Sunset Skillet Beef Sweet Potato Fiesta Flair

Southwest Sunset Skillet: A Flavor Fiesta!
Ever get that craving for something hearty, warming, and packed with flavor? I do! That’s why I’m totally buzzing to share this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato skillet recipe.
It's proper good food, honestly! This recipe is basically sunshine on a plate think smoky spices, sweet potatoes, and a whole lotta oomph .
This beaut is inspired by the American Southwest, where they know how to cook up a storm. Think cowboys, campfires, and hearty, filling grub.
This is my take on a Southwest skillet recipe . It's dead easy to make, only takes about 45 minutes start to finish.
This recipe makes about four generous portions.
Why You'll Love This Southwest Skillet
Seriously, where do I even start? The sweet potatoes bring a lovely sweetness that balances the savory beef so well.
Plus, it's surprisingly healthy! This skillet is loaded with good stuff from Healthy foods with ground beef as the lean beef gives you a great hit of protein.
This is also great Paleo meals with ground beef . It’s absolutely perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you’re knackered after work, or when you want to impress mates with minimum effort.
What You Need To Make This Magic Happen
Right, let's talk ingredients. We're talking lean ground beef about a pound (450g) plus a sweet potato, onion, bell pepper, and a tin of diced tomatoes.
A can of black beans and some frozen corn add a lovely bit of texture and flavour, bringing it all together for delicious and One-pan beef sweet potato .
You’ll also need some spices chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to give it that signature Southwest kick.
Don't forget some beef broth for simmering!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Southwest Fiesta!
Ready to rustle up some grub? This Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato skillet is proper tasty. Let's make sure you've got everything you need.
Honestly, most of it is stuff you probably already have knocking about.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Skillet
Here's what you need for our Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato masterpiece:
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This is the base for sauteing our ingredients.
- Lean ground beef: 1 pound (450g). Aim for at least 85% lean. This is our Meat That Goes With Sweet Potatoes .
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , diced (approx. 1 cup or 150g).
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium , diced (approx. 1 cup or 150g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Essential for that authentic Southwest flavour.
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). This adds a lovely smoky depth.
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional, for a kick).
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Sweet potato: 1 large , peeled and diced (approx. 2 cups or 300g). Even dices help with even cooking, you know?
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce, 411g), undrained.
- Black beans: 1 can (15 ounce, 425g), rinsed and drained.
- Frozen corn: 1 cup (150g).
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml).
- Salt and black pepper: to taste. Seasoning is key, mate!
Quality indicators? For the beef, look for a bright red colour and a fresh smell. The sweet potato should be firm with no soft spots.
Using lean ground beef is a good choice for Healthy Foods With Ground Beef . This recipe is great for Meals For Two Ground Beef , just adjust the portion size.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
This Southwest skillet recipe is all about that flavour punch.
- Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika is your essential combo.
- A pinch of cayenne gives it a nice heat, but feel free to leave it out if you're not a fan of spicy food.
- No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch, but the smoky flavour is worth it.
Don't be afraid to experiment, honestly!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip this up:
- Large skillet: 12 inch . Cast iron is great, but any large skillet will do the job. This is what makes it an easy One-pan beef sweet potato meal.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
- Measuring spoons and cups.
No fancy equipment needed! Just some simple tools for a simple and delicious Ground Beef Dinners Easy Healthy ! A great Quick ground beef recipes meal.
Perfect for a weeknight Beef and sweet potato hash , or even as part of your Paleo Meals With Ground Beef plan.
Oh my gosh! and also it´s so close to a sweet potato black bean skillet , you only need to remove the beef!
Southwest Sunset Skillet Showdown: Let's Get Cooking!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good skillet meal? And this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato version? Oh my gosh, it's a game changer! Forget complicated recipes.
We're talking comfort food with a kick. Think smoky flavors, hearty veggies, and a dash of Southwest sunshine, all in one pan.
I'm going to show you how to whip up this super easy and incredibly satisfying meal, perfect for those nights when you just can't be bothered with a sink full of dishes.
It's also a great way to get in some healthy foods with ground beef .
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate!
Before we fire up the hob, let's get organised. Trust me, it makes everything easier. Chop your sweet potato into roughly equal sized dice.
We’re talking about 2 cups worth. Dice your onion and bell pepper. Mince that garlic like you mean it. And have all your spices measured out.
You know, the usual suspects: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano. This is your essential mise en place . Also get your black beans and frozen corn ready to go.
Time saving tip: Use pre-diced sweet potatoes if you're really short on time!
Cooking This Bad Boy: step-by-step
Right, let's get sizzling! This Southwest skillet recipe is simpler than you think!
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium high heat.
- Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Seriously, drain it .
- Add your diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes .
- Stir in your minced garlic and all those lovely spices. Cook for 1 minute , until fragrant. Smells amazing, right?
- Chuck in the diced sweet potato, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and 1/2 cup of beef broth.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15- 20 minutes , or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Fork tender, mind you, not mushy!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tips for a Southwest Skillet Masterpiece
Okay, here are a few tricks I've learned along the way. First, don't overcrowd the pan. If you do, the veggies will steam instead of browning.
Not what we want! Secondly, adjust the spice level to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper is great if you like it hot.
Meat that goes with sweet potatoes just needs a bit of zing. Another thing, keep that ground beef dinners easy healthy by using very lean ground beef.
This will reduce the amount of fat to drain. If you’re a meal prep ensoiast, This beef and sweet potato hash recipe is a total lifesaver as a make-ahead option !
So there you have it, a Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet that’s sure to become a firm favourite. Enjoy the fiesta flair!
Recipe Notes for Your Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Right then, let's dive into a few extra bits and bobs about this cracking Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato recipe! I've learned a thing or two over the years, and I reckon these tips will come in handy.
Honestly, even I mess things up sometimes in the kitchen, so don't feel bad if your first attempt isn't perfect.
What Meat That Goes With Sweet Potatoes you reckon it's best? Well, I'd say beef personally but there are so many possibilities!
Plating and Presentation: Make it Look Fancy (Even if it Isn't!)
Listen, you don't need to be a Michelin star chef to make food look good. A simple sprinkle of fresh cilantro does wonders.
A dollop of sour cream? Bang on! For a bit of a fiesta vibe, try serving this Southwest skillet recipe in warm bowls.
Or, get creative and pile it high on a plate with some crispy tortilla chips. Don't forget a wedge of lime for that final flourish.
As for drinks, a crisp Mexican beer is always a winner. Or, if you're not on the booze, a homemade limeade is just the ticket.
Side wise, a fresh avocado salad complements the flavours nicely.
Storage: Keepin' It Fresh
If you've got leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They'll be good for up to 3 days .
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Just let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer bags. It’ll happily sit in the freezer for up to 2 months .
To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it through in a skillet or microwave until piping hot.
Make sure it's at least 74° C ( 165° F) ! Food safety, innit.
Variations: Switch It Up a Bit
Fancy a bit of a change? Go veggie and swap the beef for lentils, creating a delicious Sweet potato black bean skillet .
Or, if you're watching your carbs, load up on extra veg and go light on the sweet potato. These are great Paleo Meals With Ground Beef as well! For a seasonal twist, use butternut squash in the autumn instead of sweet potato.
It's all about what you fancy. And if you like Ground Beef Dinners Easy Healthy I don't know why you wouldn't go for it!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Each serving clocks in at around 450 calories, and it's packed with protein, about 35g, thanks to the beef and black beans.
Loads of fibre as well, about 8g, which is good for your gut. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A.
All in all, this is a healthy and filling meal. I am certain that it qualifies among Healthy Foods With Ground Beef in an interesting way.
And if you are looking for Meals For Two Ground Beef , that's also a great recipe to scale down.
So there you have it. A simple, tasty, and versatile meal that's sure to become a new favourite. Now get cooking and enjoy your Beef and sweet potato hash !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is brilliant for meal prepping. Just cook it according to the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through it's even tastier the next day as the flavors meld together, like a fine wine, eh?
What's the best way to store leftovers of this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato dish?
Pop your leftover Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato into an airtight container once it's cooled down. Keep it in the fridge, and it'll be good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage just make sure it's in a freezer safe container, and it should last for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How can I make this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato skillet spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick, do you? You can easily amp up the heat by adding a pinch more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when you're sautéing the onions and peppers. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end is another quick fix.
If you are feeling adventurous, add a can of diced green chilies for extra heat!
Can I substitute any ingredients in this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato recipe?
Of course, be my guest! If you're not a fan of beef, ground turkey or chicken works just as well. Swap out the black beans for pinto or kidney beans if that's what you have on hand. If sweet potatoes aren’t your cup of tea, try butternut squash.
And for a vegetarian twist, lentils or a plant based ground beef substitute works wonders.
Is this Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato skillet healthy?
You betcha! This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamin A and fiber, while the lean ground beef provides protein. Plus, all those veggies contribute to a well rounded and nutritious meal. Just be mindful of the salt and fat content, and you're golden.
I'm trying to watch my carbohydrate intake; how can I modify the Southwest Beef and Sweet Potato recipe?
No worries, mate, there are a few things you can do! Reduce the amount of sweet potato or substitute some of it with cauliflower rice to lower the carb count. You can also reduce the amount of corn or eliminate it altogether.
Consider serving the mixture over a bed of leafy greens instead of rice or tortillas to keep things light and breezy.
Southwest Sunset Skillet Beef Sweet Potato Fiest

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 8g |