Here's a recipe for Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet that serves 4-6 people:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
* 1 onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
* Crushed tortilla chips or crumbled queso fresco, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add the diced sweet potato, red bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, until the sweet potato is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the sweet potato is tender and the top is lightly browned.
9. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using). Serve hot, garnished with crushed tortilla chips or crumbled queso fresco (if desired).
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make this recipe more substantial, serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, shredded cheese, and diced avocado.
* Add some heat to your skillet by using hot sauce, such as sriracha or hot sauce of your choice.
* Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
* Add some extra veggies to the skillet, such as diced zucchini, yellow squash, or carrots.
* For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as black beans, roasted corn kernels, and diced bell peppers.
* For a vegan version, omit the beef and use a plant-based protein source, such as tofu or tempeh. Add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
**Correct Cooking Techniques:**
* Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to ensure it's cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
* Use a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet to make it easy to transfer the skillet to the oven.
* Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent the sweet potato from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* Stir the skillet frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like any variations or substitutions.
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