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Sweet Potato Skillet with Southwest Ground Beef and Peppers

Sweet Potato Skillet with Southwest Ground Beef and Peppers

A one-pan skillet of ground beef, diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and southwest spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Dice the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even 1/2-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces the same size helps them cook at the same rate during the simmer step.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 6 minutes, until no pink remains, then transfer to a plate and drain excess grease from the pan.
  3. Sauté the onion and peppers: Add olive oil to the same skillet and heat over medium. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften.
  4. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
  5. Add sweet potatoes and broth: Add the diced sweet potatoes and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Simmer until tender: Let the sweet potatoes simmer, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. They're ready when a fork slides through them easily.
  7. Season the mixture: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the spices coat the sweet potatoes evenly.
  8. Combine beef and tomatoes: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  9. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and let it sit over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until melted.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.