Description
A flavorful and hearty Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet combining lean ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant kale, seasoned with classic southwestern spices and optionally topped with melted cheddar cheese, cilantro, and fresh avocado slices. This quick and easy one-pan meal delivers a satisfying balance of protein, vegetables, and bold flavors perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kale, shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped (for serving)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer the beef to a plate; set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Remove and set aside with the beef.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet then add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the sweet potatoes are browned and tender inside.
- Combine Beef and Onions: Return the cooked ground beef and onions to the skillet with the sweet potatoes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Cook Kale: Add the shredded kale to the skillet and mix well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the kale cook down for a few minutes until wilted.
- Melt Cheese (Optional): If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the skillet contents, cover with the lid again, and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sliced avocado on the side. Optional accompaniments include salsa and hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease during cooking.
- Sweet potatoes should be cut into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or cooked lentils.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
