Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving something healthy, flavorful, and satisfying? Look no further! This Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato – Delicious! recipe is your answer. Imagine tender sweet potatoes overflowing with savory, seasoned ground beef and all your favorite southwest toppings. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and create a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen!
Gathering Your Stellar Ingredients
Here is everything you’ll need to create this incredible dish. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 large, about the same size for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for roasting.
- Salt: To taste.
- Black Pepper: To taste.
For the Southwest Ground Beef Filling:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean (85/15) or leaner.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
- Bell Pepper: 1, any color, chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained.
- Corn: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained (or frozen corn).
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon, dried.
- Salt: To taste.
- Black Pepper: To taste.
- Water or Beef Broth: 1/4 cup (if needed for moisture).
For the Toppings (Get Creative!):
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt.
- Avocado: Diced.
- Salsa.
- Cilantro: Fresh, chopped.
- Green Onions: Sliced.
- Lime Wedges: For squeezing.
Step-by-Step to Southwest Sweet Potato Bliss
Alright, let’s dive into creating this deliciousness! Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Pierce them several times with a fork (this prevents explosions in the oven!).
- Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes.
Making the Southwest Ground Beef Filling:
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the ground beef filling. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture seems too dry, add a 1/4 cup of water or beef broth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is *your* creation, so make it perfect for *your* tastebuds!
Assembling Your Masterpiece:
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven.
- Let them cool slightly, then slice them lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through (you want to create a pocket). You can also scoop out some of the flesh to make more room for the filling.
- Spoon the Southwest ground beef filling into the sweet potato “boats.”
- Top with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Sweet Potato Selection Secrets
Choosing the right sweet potatoes can make a huge difference in the final result. Here’s what to look for:
- Firmness: The sweet potatoes should be firm to the touch, without any soft spots or bruises.
- Shape: Look for sweet potatoes that are relatively uniform in shape and size, so they cook evenly.
- Skin: The skin should be smooth and free from blemishes.
- Storage: Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to develop a hard core.
Spice It Up (or Down)! Mastering the Flavor Profile
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices to create a flavor profile that you absolutely love.
- For extra heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You could even use a spicier chili powder.
- For a smoky flavor: Increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced).
- For a milder flavor: Reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
- Other spice additions: Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or ground coriander.
Topping Temptations: Beyond the Basics
The toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine! While the classics are always a good choice, why not try something a little different?
- Pickled Onions: Add a tangy and vibrant twist.
- Queso Fresco: A crumbly and slightly salty cheese that pairs perfectly with the southwest flavors.
- Jalapeños: For those who like a serious kick!
- Roasted Red Peppers: Add a touch of sweetness and smokiness.
- Cotija Cheese: Another great Mexican cheese option.
- A drizzle of Chipotle Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess and smokiness.
Making It Ahead and Storage Savvy
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! You can easily make the components ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
- Sweet Potatoes: The baked sweet potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before adding the filling.
- Ground Beef Filling: The ground beef filling can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
- Assembled Sweet Potatoes: Once assembled, the sweet potatoes are best eaten immediately. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave. Note that the sweet potatoes may become slightly softer upon reheating.
Variations to Keep Things Interesting
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground “beef” or lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Quinoa or Rice: Add cooked quinoa or rice to the ground beef filling for extra substance.
- Different Beans: Try pinto beans, kidney beans, or great northern beans instead of black beans.
- Different Vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or celery to the ground beef filling.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Besides being incredibly delicious, this Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato recipe has a lot going for it:
- Healthy: It’s packed with nutrients from the sweet potatoes, vegetables, and lean ground beef.
- Easy: It requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Versatile: It can be served as a main course, side dish, or even an appetizer.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It’s perfect for meal prepping and can be made ahead of time.
Beyond the Sweet Potato: Southwest Inspired Meals
If you’re loving the southwest flavor profile, why not explore some other delicious recipes? You could try a hearty CHILI, perfect for a cold evening. Or how about a quick and easy TACO BOWL? For a one-pan wonder, check out the SOUTHWEST SKILLET. And if you’re looking for a slow-cooker option, the CROCKPOT TACO CASSEROLE is a winner. For another sweet potato variation, explore the SWEET POTATO CHILI. Or, give the Ground Beef, Zucchini & Sweet Potato Skillet a try!
Time to Dig In!
So there you have it! A complete guide to creating the most amazing Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato dish imaginable. I truly hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!
How can I choose the best sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, relatively uniform in shape and size, and have smooth skin free from blemishes. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, avoiding the refrigerator.
Can I prepare the Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prepping. You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the ground beef filling up to 3 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling.
What are some topping ideas beyond the basics for these sweet potatoes?
Consider toppings like pickled onions, queso fresco, jalapeños, roasted red peppers, cotija cheese, or a drizzle of chipotle ranch dressing to add unique flavors and textures.
What are some variations I can make to the Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato recipe?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian option, add quinoa or rice to the filling, try different beans, or incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
Southwest Sweet Potato Perfection
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, about the same size
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85/15 or leaner
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper any color
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup water or beef broth if needed
- Shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping
- 1 avocado, diced, for topping
- Salsa, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for topping
- Green onions, sliced, for topping
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Pierce them several times with a fork.
- Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the ground beef filling. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture seems too dry, add a 1/4 cup of water or beef broth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven.
- Let them cool slightly, then slice them lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through (you want to create a pocket). You can also scoop out some of the flesh to make more room for the filling.
- Spoon the Southwest ground beef filling into the sweet potato “boats.”
- Top with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
