30g Protein, Chipotle Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

You find yourself at the end of a long day, thinking about what to whip up for dinner when suddenly you remember the humble sweet potato. Packed with fiber and filling, it pairs beautifully with the rich, savory notes of ground beef and smoky spices. In just under 35 minutes, your kitchen could be filled with the mouthwatering scent of a dish that manages to be both satisfying and nutritious. Welcome to the world of Chipotle Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, a dish that raises the bar on weeknight meals!

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Why This Chipotle Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Never Fails

This recipe is a culinary Swiss Army knife; it’s versatile, delicious, and comes together in one pan. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting, hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Seriously, this dish is full of warmth—the kind that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Plus, it’s adaptable enough for everyone at the table, whether they’re meat lovers or veggie fans trying to sneak in some extra nutrients.

Ingredient Lineup

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons each: smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder
• 1 teaspoon each: dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can fire-roasted diced green chiles
• 2/3 cup roasted frozen corn
• 1 large sweet potato (3/4 lb), peeled and cubed small
• ½ cup water
• ¾ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• For serving: green onions, cilantro, jalapeño crema, avocado slices
• 1 large jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, roughly chopped
• 1 avocado
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons mayo
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ lime, juice of
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ teaspoon each: salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Method

1. Blend all ingredients for the jalapeño crema in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with another splash of water if needed. Always taste and season with a pinch of salt, as needed!
2. In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, using a spatula to break it up, until cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. If using a fattier ground beef, drain the excess fat after cooking.
3. Add the bell pepper, onion, and seasonings (paprika, cumin, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, pepper) to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the veggies are softened and spices are fragrant—approximately five minutes.
4. Stir in the chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, tomato paste, green chiles, roasted corn, sweet potato, and water. Toss everything until well combined.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for fifteen minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. For quick cooking, cube them into small (½-inch) pieces!
6. Top the skillet with cheddar cheese and return the lid to allow it to melt. Serve the meat mixture in bowls topped with green onions, cilantro, and generous servings of creamy jalapeño sauce. Buen provecho!

Healthy Reasons to Love This

Each serving of this delightful dish packs in about 450 calories, 30 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of fat. With 6 grams of fiber, it brings plenty of nutritional benefits, including vitamins A and C from the sweet potatoes and peppers alongside protein-rich beef. Now, that’s a comforting meal you can feel great about serving your family.

Table-Ready in Minutes

This skillet dish is perfect for dinner any night of the week, but it can also shine as a lunch leftover or even a party dish served with tortilla chips. Pair it with a light salad for an easy meal or offer it at your next gathering as a crowd-pleaser, garnished with lime wedges and extra jalapeño crema. If you enjoy a kick, throw in some slices of fresh jalapeños on top!

How to Store It Right

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze them for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra cheese added for creaminess. This will help maintain its delicious flavor and texture.

Expert Tips

1. Perfectly Tender Sweet Potatoes: Cut your sweet potatoes into even, small cubes to ensure they cook through at the same rate.
2. Flavor Booster: Add a splash of lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavors!
3. Cheat the Time: Use pre-cooked frozen sweet potatoes to save on cooking time, yet still enjoy that sweet, comforting taste.
4. Creamy Dream: Use goat cheese or queso fresco instead of cheddar for a tangy twist atop your skillet feast.
5. Garnish Smart: Use leftover herbs or sprinkle seeds/nuts for added crunch and nutrition!

Flavor Experiments

1. Seasonal Twist: Add diced butternut squash in place of sweet potatoes for a fall-inspired dish.
2. Gourmet Option: Stir in crumbled feta cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
3. Playful Variation: Swap ground beef for a mixture of black beans and corn for a vegetarian-friendly delight.

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Soggy Sweet Potatoes: Avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes; they should be tender yet still hold their shape.
2. Bland Seasoning: Don’t skip the spices! They not only add flavor but also bring out the ingredients’ natural goodness.
3. Too Much Liquid: Keep an eye on the water; you want a thick, hearty dish, not a soup. Adjust as necessary!
4. Skipping the Cover: Covering the skillet while cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures your sweet potatoes cook evenly.
5. Late Cheese Meltdown: Make sure you put the lid back on promptly after adding the cheese to melt it just right!

Creative Second-Day Ideas

1. Breakfast Burritos: Wrap the leftovers in a tortilla with some scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast on-the-go.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the mixture for a fun, hearty lunch or dinner option.
3. Savory Hash: Sauté the leftovers with diced potatoes and eggs for a delicious breakfast hash.

Curious Cooks Ask

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will still be delicious, though it might lack some of the richness of beef, so adjust your seasonings if needed.

What if I can’t find chipotle in adobo?

You can substitute smoked paprika and a bit of hot sauce for a similar smoky flavor without the spice.

Is there a vegetarian option for this skillet dish?

Definitely! Use lentils or a mix of beans to replace the ground beef, and just follow the same method for cooking.

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

Cut the sweet potatoes into small, uniform pieces and be sure not to overcook them! Simmer just until tender but still holding their shape.