Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet combining seasoned ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach for a quick and wholesome dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound 10% ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 4 cups 1-inch chopped sweet potato
- 1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon mild chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup water, plus additional as needed
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large 10-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and stir to break the meat into small pieces. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: To the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet potatoes and sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well to evenly coat the potatoes with the spices. Add the canned diced tomatoes along with ¼ cup of water, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook the sweet potatoes until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash more water as needed if the pan begins to dry out to prevent sticking.
- Add Beef and Spinach: Remove the cover, add the cooked beef back to the skillet along with the baby spinach. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring until the beef is warmed through and the spinach has wilted. Add a splash of water if the pan seems dry.
- Finish with Lime and Season to Taste: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the juice of one lime. Taste the mixture and add additional salt if desired. Serve layered as is or topped with your favorite additions.
Notes
- Use a 10-inch skillet for even cooking and enough space to stir comfortably.
- If the sweet potatoes are not soft after 15 minutes, continue simmering and add small amounts of water as needed.
- Optional toppings could include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices for added flavor.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
