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A full pan of ground beef and sweet potato skillet cooked to perfection.

Spicy Mexican Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This one-pan Spicy Mexican Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines lean ground beef with tender sweet potatoes, aromatic spices, and optional toppings for a customizable dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Spoon

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 diced medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • fresh chopped cilantro
  • sour cream a dollop of
  • pickled jalapeños
  • shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Additions

  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn fresh or frozen

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned; drain excess grease.
  • Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in diced sweet potatoes and spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Pour in beef broth (and optional black beans/corn); bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on medium-low for 10-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  • Uncover, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed, then stir everything together.
  • Serve hot with desired garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, or cheddar cheese.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes instead of beef broth. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. This dish is great for meal prepping and can be easily reheated. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.