If you’re looking for a nutritious, one-pan meal that’s packed with protein and flavor, this one pan Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect recipe for you! This easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you need a cozy yet healthy meal. With lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, and a blend of smoky spices, this recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pan Skillet Meal
✔️ High-Protein & Balanced – Lean ground beef provides plenty of protein, while sweet potatoes add fiber and essential vitamins like Vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant that helps with inflammation.
✔️ One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup with few dishes. Can I get an amen?!
✔️ Flavor-Packed – A mix of chili powder, cumin, fire-roasted tomatoes, and optional green chiles brings a delicious smoky, slightly spicy taste. It’s giving chili vibes.
✔️ Customizable – Swap the protein, adjust the spice level, or add extra veggies to personalize it for your preferences.
The Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef, I like to use at least 93% lean
- 5 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles, optional
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, could use Pepperjack for more of a kick!
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
The Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef & Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon. Season with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. (Time saving tip: if you want to save time, you could start step 2 in a separate skillet.) Cook until the beef is nearly done, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the beef mixture onto a plate and wipe out the skillet. If your beef is a little fattier, drain the grease at this point. Side note: I love using my Caraway non-stick saute pan. Not only is it non-toxic, it cooks well and makes clean up a breeze!
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles (if desired), water, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender. I like to fork the potatoes to make sure they’re soft.
3. Combine & Melt the Cheese: Return the ground beef mixture to the skillet and stir everything together. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet again, and let it cook for another minute or until the cheese is melted.
4. Garnish & Serve: Top with sliced green onions and serve warm. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Make it Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also swap the cheddar for Pepperjack cheese.
➡️ Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
➡️ Extra Veggies – Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini make great additions for extra nutrition.
➡️ Meal Prep Friendly – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
What To Serve With This One Pan Skillet
- Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb option to soak up the flavorful sauce and adds a little bulk.
- Warm Tortillas – Scoop it into a tortilla for an easy taco-style meal.
- Avocado or Guacamole – Adds a creamy, refreshing contrast.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 5 teaspoons chili powder divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or use pepperjack for more kick)
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in the ground beef and diced onion and crumble the beef with a wooden spoon. (To save time, you can use a second skillet to start step 3 and begin cooking the sweet potato and tomatoes if you prefer.)
- Add in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with salt and pepper. When the beef is nearly cooked through add in the garlic and cook for another minute. Pour it out onto a plate and wipe out the skillet.
- Add the diced sweet potato, fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cover it with a lid.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the ground beef mixture in with the sweet potatoes and stir everything together.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover with the lid again for another minute or until the cheese is melted.
- Top with green onions and serve.
Nutrition
This Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a satisfying, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations by tagging me on social media! @wholesomenutritionco
Want More Easy, Healthy Recipes?
Check out my Chicken Quinoa & Veggie Bake. It is packed full of balanced nutrition and is another great mostly one pan meal!
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