Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—eating half a pound of ground beef straight out of a Tupperware is a primal experience. You feel like a caveman. A very macro-aware, dairy-loving caveman. There’s something about this Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet that hits deep—like, “I lift heavy things and fuel my body like a legend” deep. It’s beefy, cheesy, and unapologetically hearty. No fluff, no filler. Just pure high-protein glory.
But make no mistake—this isn’t your average beef-and-potatoes situation. The sweet potatoes bring a mellow, caramelized contrast that balances the Tex-Mex spices like they were born for this role. Add a little melted cheese on top, maybe a sprinkle of cilantro or a dash of lime if you’re feeling fancy, and suddenly your Tuesday lunch hits like a cheat meal even though the macros say otherwise. We’re talking big flavor, easy prep, and absolutely legendary leftovers.
If you’ve been looking for a meal prep that makes you feel powerful and full, this is your move. It’s simple. It’s satisfying. And it’s secretly gourmet in a “smash it with a fork and grunt with approval” kind of way. So load up that skillet, pack your containers, and embrace your inner beast. You’re gonna love this one—fork yeah.
Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
For the BEEF:
- 2 lbs Lean ground beef
- 1 medium Onion
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp Chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp Cumin
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
For the Extras:
- 3 cups Sweet potato diced
- 14.5 oz Fire roasted diced tomatoes 1 can
- 4 oz Diced green chiles 1 can
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tbsp Chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef & diced onion & crumble the beef with a wooden spoon or utensil of choice. Add the below seasonings.2 lbs Lean ground beef, 1 medium Onion, 1 tbsp Olive oil, 1.5 tbsp Chili powder, 1/2 tbsp Cumin, 1/2 tbsp Garlic powder, 1/2 tbsp Paprika, 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Pepper
- When the beef is nearly cooked, add the garlic & cook for another minute. Afterwards, pour onto a plate & wipe out the skillet.4 Cloves Garlic
- Add the diced sweet potato, fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, water, & the below seasonings. Stir everything together, then cover with a lid. Turn the heat to medium-low & simmer for about 20 minutes (until the sweet potatoes are tender).3 cups Sweet potato, 14.5 oz Fire roasted diced tomatoes, 4 oz Diced green chiles, 2 tbsp Water, 1 tbsp Chili powder, 1/2 tbsp Cumin, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Pepper
- Add the ground beef back into the skillet & stir everything until well-combined. Top with shredded cheese & cover the skillet until the cheese is melted (about 3 to 4 minutes). Enjoy!1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Nutrition
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish is the ultimate one-pan wonder—bold, balanced, and built for gains. The lean ground beef brings serious protein, while tender sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and complex carbs for long-lasting energy. Smoky spices like chili powder and cumin give it that southwest flavor kick, and the melted cheddar on top is the cherry on this savory sundae.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this skillet delivers comfort food vibes with zero compromise on your nutrition goals. Plus, it reheats beautifully, keeping both the flavor and texture intact.
It’s simple, hearty, macro-aligned, and just a little cheesy—kind of like you. 😉
🧂 Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
Here’s how to tweak the recipe without sacrificing macros or flavor:
- Swap the Protein: Sub in ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter cut. You can also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a stretchier melt.
- Add Beans: Want more fiber and volume? Toss in a half cup of black beans or kidney beans.
- Change the Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini all make great additions if you want more color and variety.
- Make It Spicier: Up the red pepper flakes or toss in jalapeños to turn the heat up.
🔥 Expert Tips for a Perfect Skillet
- Dice Evenly: Make sure your sweet potatoes are cut small and uniform for faster, even cooking.
- Cover & Steam: The lid helps trap moisture and cook the sweet potatoes through—don’t skip this step!
- Use a Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet: It keeps cleanup easy and helps avoid sticking when the cheese melts.
- Simmer Low & Slow: Let the flavors marry and the potatoes soften fully. Rushing this step makes the texture uneven.
- Broil for a Finish: Want a bubbly, golden cheese top? Pop the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
- Serve With: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped cilantro.
- Meal Prep Storage: Keeps well in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer Friendly? Not ideal—the sweet potatoes can get mushy. Stick to fresh storage.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Microwave in 60–90 second bursts or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy base.
🌿 Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions or scallions
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges for brightness
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for heat
- Crushed tortilla chips for texture
❓FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey will lighten up the fat content while still delivering solid protein. Just adjust seasoning slightly, as turkey is milder in flavor.
Can I meal prep this ahead of time?
Yes! This skillet is a fantastic meal prep option. Just portion into containers and refrigerate. It reheats incredibly well.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a medium spice level thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. If you’re heat-sensitive, reduce the chili powder or skip the green chiles.
Can I leave out the cheese?
You can! It won’t be quite as indulgent, but you’ll save on fat and calories. Nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese can be good swaps.
Can I cook the sweet potatoes separately?
Sure thing. Roasting them separately can add a crispy texture and more caramelized flavor, but it adds time and cleanup. The one-skillet method is simpler.
🥩 More High-Protein Beef Recipes You’ll Love
- Mongolian Meatballs – A savory-sweet masterpiece with bold flavor and serious protein.
- Garlic Steak Bites with Creamy Mac & Cheese – Comfort food reimagined for macro lovers.
- Kung Pao Beef with Noodles – A spicy, saucy, high-protein spin on takeout vibes.
- Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls – Classic flavor meets fitness meal prep.
- The Best Marinated Steak Meal Prep – Juicy, tender, and endlessly customizable.
🧠 Master the Macro Mindset
Want to understand how I structure meals like this to hit my fitness goals without sacrificing flavor or time? Read my full high-protein meal prep strategy here and learn how to make this lifestyle sustainable and enjoyable.