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- 1 lb ground beef - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish - 1 jalapeño pepper, diced for heat - 1 teaspoon oregano for an herb kick - 1 avocado, sliced for creaminess - Shredded cheese for a cheesy finish - Large skillet for even cooking - Spatula for stirring and breaking up beef - Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies - Measuring spoons for precise seasoning - Lid for steaming sweet potatoes This list will help you gather everything you need for your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet delight. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference! I recommend choosing sweet potatoes that feel firm and heavy. They should have smooth skin without any dark spots. Enjoy the cooking process and feel free to add your own twist! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb ground beef - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish Make sure to wash your veggies well. Dice the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. If you have not peeled the sweet potatoes, do that now. You want them in bite-sized cubes to cook evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly tender. Next, turn up the heat to medium-high. Toss in the ground beef. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until it is fully browned. Break the beef into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat everything with the spices. Now, add the diced sweet potatoes. Stir to mix them in with the beef. This helps them cook evenly. Pour in about 1/4 cup of water to help steam the sweet potatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sweet potatoes are tender. After 10-12 minutes, check the sweet potatoes. They should be easy to pierce with a fork. Next, fold in the black beans and corn. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors blend. Before serving, taste the skillet mix. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This adds a refreshing touch and makes your meal pop! You can find the full recipe for more details and serving suggestions. For sweet potatoes, start by cutting them into 3/4-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. To cook them well, you can use two methods: boiling or steaming. Boiling takes about 10-15 minutes. Just check with a fork to see if they’re soft. Steaming is great too. If you steam, add water to your skillet and cover it. This makes them tender without losing flavor. If you want to switch the ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken. Both are leaner options and still tasty! For a vegetarian twist, use black beans or lentils. They add protein and texture. You can also try tofu or tempeh for a plant-based choice. Just remember to season them well. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. They brighten the dish! You can also try a pinch of cayenne for heat. Other spices like oregano or thyme work well too. If you like smokiness, use chipotle powder. Experimenting with flavors can make your skillet unique. For a full recipe, check the Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet . {{image_4}} You can easily swap ground beef for plant-based protein. Use lentils or crumbled tofu. This keeps the dish hearty and healthy. You still get that flavorful mix of spices. Cook the plant-based option the same way as the beef. It will absorb all the taste from the other ingredients. Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the mix. Add them with the onions and garlic. This will give your skillet a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste. If you love spicy food, go for more! For a low-carb option, replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower. Use riced cauliflower for a similar texture. Cook it just like the sweet potatoes, but for less time. This keeps the dish light while still being tasty. The spices will still shine through. Explore these variations to make your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet unique. For the full recipe, check back to the earlier section! To keep your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet fresh, cool it first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat for about two minutes, then stir and check if it’s hot. For long-term storage, freeze your Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. Portion it out for easy meals later. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned. This way, you can savor this dish anytime! You can find the full recipe above. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until hot. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Rice (white or brown) - Quinoa - Tortilla chips - A fresh green salad - Avocado slices - Sour cream or Greek yogurt These sides add more flavor and texture to your meal. To change the heat level, try these tips: - Add more chili powder for a bolder flavor. - Use diced jalapeños for extra heat. - Reduce or skip the chili powder for a milder dish. - Serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust to their taste. You can easily make this dish fit your spice level! This guide covered all you need for a great Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. We explored the key ingredients and optional flavor boosters. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and valuable tips for side dishes and storage. Don't forget to try the variations to suit your taste. Whether it’s vegetarian or spicy, you have many ways to enjoy this dish. Experiment and make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Delight your taste buds with this Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet, a simple yet scrumptious dish that's perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with flavor from black beans, corn, and spices, this skillet meal is both healthy and hearty. Quick to make in just 30 minutes, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious meal to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

    Next, incorporate the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pepper to become slightly tender.

      Increase the heat to medium-high, then introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef until it's fully browned, approximately 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks.

        Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.

          Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine them with the beef mixture, ensuring an even distribution.

            Pour in about 1/4 cup of water to facilitate the cooking of the sweet potatoes by steaming. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork.

              Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, fold in the black beans and corn. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.

                Before serving, taste the skillet mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the skillet from heat.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the hearty skillet dish hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side. This adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to your meal!