The savory combo of seasoned ground beef, sweet potatoes, poblano peppers, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish the perfect one-skillet wonder. It brings bold Tex-Mex flavors into a wholesome, nutrient-packed dinner that’s ready in just about 40 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something hearty and satisfying without the fuss, this skillet has it all—protein, fiber, spice, and that irresistible cheesy finish. It’s fantastic as is or served up with rice, tortilla chips, or even tucked inside a taco or burrito.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb ground beef
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½ cup onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium potatoes)
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2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
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1 cup water
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or queso asadero)
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Cilantro, avocado, and sour cream for serving (optional)
Directions:
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In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground beef and onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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Add minced garlic, cubed sweet potatoes, taco seasoning, water, corn, and diced poblano pepper.
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Cover the skillet and let cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
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Remove the lid and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, allowing the remaining liquid to evaporate.
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Top with shredded cheese and let it melt. Serve garnished with cilantro, avocado, or sour cream if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 27 minutes | Total Time: 42 minutes
Kcal: 512 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
An Easy, Nutritious Skillet Meal for Busy Weeknights
In today’s fast-paced world, preparing a nutritious, satisfying meal after a long day can feel like a daunting task. That’s where meals like the Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet come to the rescue. Not only does it come together quickly in a single pan, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. With its bold Tex-Mex flair, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite—without requiring complicated ingredients or time-consuming prep. It’s the kind of meal you can feel good about serving to your family and enjoy just as much yourself.
This one-pan wonder is the epitome of a balanced dinner: hearty, colorful, and incredibly flavorful. Ground beef brings protein and richness, while sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory spices. The addition of poblano peppers, corn, and a sprinkle of melty cheese gives it that irresistible Southwest vibe that makes every forkful feel like a fiesta.
Why Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Work So Well Together
Ground beef and sweet potatoes are a match made in culinary heaven. The beef provides a savory, umami-rich base that holds up well to strong seasonings like taco spices, garlic, and smoky peppers. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, bring a subtle earthiness and natural sweetness that balances out the spice, giving the dish a dynamic flavor profile.
When cooked together, they create a textural and flavor harmony that’s hard to beat. The sweet potatoes absorb the spices and meat juices, becoming tender and flavorful, while the beef stays juicy and satisfying. It’s a great alternative to rice or pasta-based dishes and adds a refreshing change to your meal rotation.
Nutrition-Packed and Family-Approved
This dish is more than just delicious—it’s loaded with nutrients that can power your day. Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which are essential for energy production, immune support, and muscle repair. If you’re using lean beef, you’ll also benefit from a lower fat content while still getting that satisfying meaty taste.
Sweet potatoes bring their own impressive list of health benefits to the table. They’re one of the best sources of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports vision and skin health. They also provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium, which help maintain steady blood sugar levels and support heart health.
By including additional vegetables like corn, onions, and peppers, this dish becomes a powerhouse of vitamins C and A, along with antioxidants that support cellular health. Plus, with the option to add toppings like avocado and cilantro, you can layer in healthy fats and even more flavor.
The Beauty of One-Pan Meals
Let’s be honest—one of the most frustrating parts of cooking a homemade meal is dealing with the aftermath: the dishes. That’s where skillet meals really shine. With this recipe, you can sauté, simmer, and even melt cheese all in a single nonstick skillet. That means fewer dishes to wash, fewer pots to monitor, and more time to actually enjoy your meal (and your evening).
Beyond the convenience, one-pan meals also help to build deeper flavors. Since all the ingredients cook together, the sweet potatoes soak up the beef juices and seasoning, creating a more cohesive and satisfying flavor experience. Every bite feels intentional and delicious.
Customizable for All Tastes and Dietary Preferences
Another great thing about this dish is how easy it is to customize. You can increase or reduce the heat based on your preference—add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for spice lovers, or swap in bell peppers for a milder flavor. Want to sneak in more veggies? Spinach, zucchini, or even kale would be great additions to stir in toward the end of cooking.
For a more plant-forward approach, swap out part of the ground beef for black beans, or use a plant-based meat substitute entirely. You can also choose from a variety of cheeses—cheddar, pepper jack, Mexican blend, or queso fresco depending on what you have on hand or what flavor profile you’re aiming for.
Toppings are where you can truly make this dish your own. Think dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, slices of creamy avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime. These final touches add color, freshness, and contrast to the richness of the skillet.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Not only is this dish a weeknight lifesaver, but it’s also perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it one of those meals that might taste even better the next day.
Pack it in individual containers for a grab-and-go lunch, or reheat a big batch for a no-fuss dinner later in the week. It’s also a great option to freeze in portions, making it a smart choice for busy families, students, or anyone juggling a hectic schedule.
Fun Ways to Serve It
While this recipe is absolutely satisfying on its own, there are many creative ways to serve it up. Scoop it into warm tortillas for a quick taco night. Wrap it in burritos with rice and beans. Pile it on top of nachos and melt additional cheese over it for a crowd-pleasing game-day snack.
You can also pair it with a simple green salad or a side of skillet cornbread to stretch the meal for a larger group. If you’re going for low-carb, serve it in lettuce wraps or over a bed of cauliflower rice. The options are virtually endless and make this dish extremely versatile.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
If you’re trying to feed a family with picky eaters, this recipe is a safe bet. The cheese and taco-seasoned beef make it approachable and familiar for kids, while the sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet flavor that appeals to younger palates. You can always tone down the spice or chop the veggies smaller to sneak them in unnoticed.
Hosting a casual dinner with friends? Double the recipe and serve it buffet-style with a topping bar. Everyone can personalize their plate to their taste, which is always a win when feeding a crowd.
Perfect for All Seasons
The Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is truly a year-round recipe. In the colder months, it brings warmth and comfort, especially with its cheesy, savory profile. During warmer seasons, it’s light enough not to weigh you down and pairs well with fresh toppings like lime juice, cilantro, and avocado. It’s that rare kind of dish that feels equally fitting in both cozy winter dinners and sunny patio meals.
Conclusion: A Weeknight Hero Worth Keeping on Repeat
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and adaptable to your family’s preferences, the Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet is it. This hearty one-pan meal checks all the boxes: delicious, nourishing, low-effort, and easy to clean up after.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe offers a high reward with minimal stress. It’s the kind of dish that turns regular weeknights into moments of connection and comfort, and one you’ll likely find yourself turning to again and again.