Southwest Ground Beef Skillet recipes bring bold flavor, easy prep, and comfort together in one pan. This version leans on a sweet potato skillet base with warm spices, tender beef, and colorful vegetables to create a health dinner that still feels filling. The balance of protein and vegetables makes this one of those ground beef recipes for dinner you can trust on busy nights while keeping the flavors familiar and family friendly.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
- It uses one skillet, which keeps cleanup simple and stress low.
- The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that balances Southwest spices.
- It fits well into health dinner recipes without feeling light or bland.
- The flavors work for both casual weeknights and relaxed weekend meals.
Ingredient Breakdown
This Southwest skillet relies on everyday ingredients that cook evenly and layer flavor smoothly, much like the balance found in ground beef orzo with tomato where simple parts create a complete beef dinner.
- Lean ground beef for a rich but balanced beef dinner base.
- Sweet potatoes cut small for quick cooking and even texture.
- Bell peppers and onion for color, sweetness, and structure.
- Garlic and Southwest seasoning for warm, savory depth.
- Diced tomatoes to bring moisture and light acidity.
- Olive oil for clean flavor and smooth cooking.
How to Make It
Prep
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then dice them into small even cubes.
- Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite sized pieces.
- Measure out the spices and set everything near the stove.
Cook

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and bell peppers, then cook until softened.
- Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and seasoning, then stir well.
- Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
Finish and Serve
- Remove the lid and let excess moisture cook off for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spoon into bowls and serve warm as a complete beef dinner.
Time Saving Options
This Southwest skillet adapts well to shortcuts, similar to how bold seasoning blends streamline meals like firecracker ground beef seasoning recipes when time is tight.
- Use pre diced sweet potatoes from the produce section.
- Cook the beef ahead and refrigerate for up to two days.
- Swap homemade seasoning for a ready Southwest blend.
Variations You Can Try

Once you master the base, this sweet potato skillet can shift flavors easily, much like the flexibility seen in Mediterranean ground beef stir fry Italy style when you change spices and vegetables.
- Add black beans and corn for a stronger Southwest feel.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter health dinner option.
- Top with shredded cheese for a richer beef recipes for dinner twist.
- Serve over rice for a heartier beef dinner plate.

Southwest Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and Southwest seasoning. Mix well.
- Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
- Remove lid and let excess moisture cook off for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm, optionally with rice or salad.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This skillet stores well and reheats smoothly, making it ideal for meal prep. Let it cool fully, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the sweet potatoes tender and the beef juicy.
Is this considered a healthy dinner?
Yes, this dish fits well into health dinner recipes because it balances protein, vegetables, and natural carbs. Sweet potatoes provide fiber while lean ground beef offers lasting fullness. You can adjust oil and seasoning levels to match your family needs without losing flavor.
What can I serve with this skillet?
This dish stands well on its own, but it also pairs nicely with simple sides. A green salad or warm tortillas work well, and the flavors align easily with other ground beef recipes for dinner like ground beef Philly cheesesteaks when planning a themed meal night.
Final Thoughts
Southwest Ground Beef Skillet recipes like this one deliver comfort, color, and confidence in the kitchen. With flexible ingredients and steady flavors, this sweet potato skillet earns a regular spot in weeknight rotation and stands alongside other reliable beef recipes for dinner.