Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Crowd pleaser. The bold flavors of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring out the essence of Mexican comfort food, while the diced green chiles add a subtle kick.

This one pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. Serve it on its own, in warm tortillas for tacos, or alongside a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is a go to for delicious, effortless cooking!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pound lean ground beef (90/10%)
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 ounces diced green chiles (mild or hot)
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat the pan and reduce heat to medium.
Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring frequently, for about 6 minutes until they start turning golden.
Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Crumble and cook, breaking apart the meat.
Add in diced onion and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until the beef is browned.
Stir in the green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cilantro. Mix well and continue cooking until the potatoes are fully tender (about 6–8 minutes).
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and let it melt for about 1 minute.
Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet – A Hearty One-Pan Wonder

When it comes to quick, easy, and satisfying meals, few dishes check all the boxes like this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet. Bursting with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and an irresistibly cheesy finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious yet simple.

This one pan meal combines tender Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful blend of Mexican spices to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The addition of diced green chiles, red bell pepper, and onions provides extra layers of flavor and texture, while melted cheese ties everything together in the most indulgent way. Whether you’re looking for a standalone meal or a versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or breakfast scrambles, this skillet recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet isn’t just a great meal idea it’s a game changer in the kitchen. Here’s why:

1. One-Pan Simplicity

One of the best things about this dish is that it requires just one skillet, which means less cleanup and fewer dishes to wash. If you’re someone who dreads post-dinner cleanup, you’ll appreciate the convenience of this meal.

2. Quick and Easy

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of around 20 minutes, you can have this meal on the table in 30 minutes or less. That makes it a fantastic weeknight dinner option when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

3. Bold and Flavorful

The Mexican-inspired spice blend in this dish gives it an incredible depth of flavor. The smoky heat from chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, combined with the freshness of cilantro and green chiles, creates a truly irresistible combination.

4. Hearty and Filling

This recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a well balanced meal that will keep you full and satisfied. The lean ground beef provides a great source of protein, while the potatoes offer energy boosting carbohydrates.

5. Family-Friendly

Even picky eaters will love this dish! The cheesy, flavorful beef and potatoes are a hit with kids and adults alike. If you have family members who aren’t big fans of spice, you can easily adjust the heat level by choosing mild green chiles or reducing the chili powder.

How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

1. As-Is for a One-Pan Meal

This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand on its own. Simply scoop a serving onto a plate and enjoy it as a complete meal.

2. Wrapped in Tortillas

Want to turn it into tacos or burritos? Spoon the beef and potato mixture into warm tortillas, top with cheese, avocado, and sour cream, and enjoy a delicious Mexican-inspired wrap.

3. With Rice or Beans

Pairing this dish with Mexican rice, cilantro ime rice, or black beans is a great way to stretch it into more servings while adding extra flavor and texture.

4. Topped with a Fried Egg

For a delicious Mexican-inspired breakfast, serve this skillet meal topped with a fried egg and a side of avocado. The rich yolk adds extra creaminess, making it even more indulgent.

5. As a Topping for Nachos

Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top them with this ground beef and potato mixture, sprinkle some extra cheese, and bake until crispy. Add guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for the ultimate loaded nachos.

Tips for Making the Best Skillet Meal

To ensure your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Cut Potatoes Evenly

To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. This prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain too firm.

2. Use a Large Skillet

A 12-inch skillet (preferably cast iron) is ideal for this dish. If your pan is too small, the ingredients will be overcrowded, making it difficult for the potatoes to cook evenly.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If you find that your potatoes aren’t browning properly, try cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. This allows them to get that crispy, golden-brown exterior.

4. Adjust Seasonings to Taste

The spice level in this dish is customizable. If you like extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot green chiles. For a milder version, stick to mild green chiles and reduce the chili powder.

5. Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Pre shredded cheese contains anti caking agents, which prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best texture and flavor, grate your own cheese from a block.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make modifications based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap Ground Beef for Another Protein – Try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Use Sweet Potatoes – For a slightly sweeter, nutrient-packed alternative, swap the Yukon gold potatoes for diced sweet potatoes.
Add More Veggies – Enhance the nutrition by mixing in zucchini, corn, or black beans.
Make it Dairy-Free – Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Try a Saucy Version – Stir in enchilada sauce, salsa, or diced tomatoes for a more saucy, stew like texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well and reheats beautifully:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Freezing: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended, as potatoes can become grainy once thawed.

Conclusion

The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is everything you need in a meal easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a fun taco filling, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

With bold Mexican spices, melty cheese, and hearty potatoes, this skillet meal is a family friendly favorite that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for leftovers.

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