Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a hearty, comforting, and incredibly flavorful dish that comes together in just about 35 minutes, the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. This dish masterfully combines tender cubes of golden potatoes, savory lean ground beef, and vibrant bursts of green chiles and spices, all melded together with melty cheese and fresh cilantro. It’s the perfect marriage of textures and Mexican-inspired flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering where you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is simple but essential, each playing a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From creamy, tender potatoes to the smoky depth from spices, these ingredients come together to create a dish that’s as vivid as it is satisfying.
- Avocado oil: Provides a high smoke point and a subtle, buttery flavor perfect for browning potatoes and beef.
- Potatoes: Cubed into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender yet slightly firm bite.
- Lean ground beef: Adds richness and protein without overwhelming the dish with fat.
- Diced yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth that balances the spices and meat.
- Red bell pepper: Contributes a bright color and subtle sweetness for contrast.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.
- Diced green chiles: Bring a mild heat and tangy zing that’s signature to Mexican cuisine.
- Chili powder: Deepens the smokiness and warms the palate.
- Ground cumin: Adds a nutty, earthy undertone crucial to authentic Mexican flavor profiles.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Chopped cilantro: Brings freshness and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Shredded cheese: A melty, creamy topping that pulls all the flavors together.
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the oil and cook potatoes
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, swirl it to coat the skillet evenly, then reduce the heat to medium. Add your cubed potatoes and cook them while stirring often for about 6 minutes. You want that perfect balance where they turn golden and tender, yet still hold a bit of firmness so they don’t turn mushy. This step builds the sturdy, flavorful base for the skillet.
Step 2: Add ground beef and vegetables
Push those beautifully golden potatoes to one side of the skillet to make room and add the lean ground beef. Crumble it as it cooks to maximize surface area for browning and even cooking. Toss in your diced yellow onion and red bell pepper at this stage, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue stirring and breaking apart the beef until it is fully cooked through. This combination brings savory richness tempered by the sharp sweetness of the veggies.
Step 3: Add chiles, spices, and cilantro
Now it’s time to layer on the classic Mexican flavors that make this recipe shine. Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix everything thoroughly so the spices coat the meat and potatoes evenly. Let the skillet cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the potatoes to reach full tenderness and the flavors to fully meld together into a harmonious, smoky, mildly spicy symphony.
Step 4: Final seasoning and cheese topping
Before serving, give everything a taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Let it melt gently for about a minute until deliciously gooey and irresistible. You can garnish the skillet with an extra handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve this hot, and prepare for delighted smiles all around.
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really elevate this dish—extra chopped cilantro adds brightness, while a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can add creaminess and tangy contrast that balances the rich beef and cheesy potatoes. Thinly sliced green onions or a handful of diced avocado also bring a lovely texture and subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands well on its own, but you can complement it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lime vinaigrette or a side of Mexican rice to round out the meal. For a heartier feast, serve alongside warm corn tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for scooping up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe into a loaded taco filling or spoon it over baked potatoes for a comforting loaded spud dinner. It also makes a fantastic base for breakfast—top with a fried egg and a drizzle of hot sauce for a flavorful morning meal that keeps you fueled.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this skillet keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it a perfect dish to enjoy the next day without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the potatoes from drying out. You can also microwave portions covered loosely with a damp paper towel, stirring halfway through to heat evenly and bring back that freshly cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon gold or red potatoes work great as they hold their shape well when cooked. Russets might become a bit too soft, but if you prefer a creamier texture, those can be used as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and add some extra spices to maintain that robust flavor profile.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the green chiles you use. Diced mild green chiles give a gentle warmth, but you can boost the spice by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder if you love things fiery.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can chop all the vegetables and measure out the spices ahead of time for a quicker assembly. Cooking the potatoes slightly in advance helps too, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture.
What cheese works best for melting on top?
Cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully and add creamy richness. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a little zing or mozzarella for a milder touch.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe truly feels like a home-cooked hug filled with bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s approachable for a busy weeknight but special enough to share with friends and family. Once you try it, I’m confident it will secure a beloved spot in your meal rotation. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a melty cheese topping, it’s a delicious blend of textures and Mexican-inspired spices that come together effortlessly in a skillet.
Ingredients
Skillet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (approximately 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt)
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook potatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl the oil to coat the skillet bottom evenly and reduce heat to medium. Add the cubed potatoes and cook while stirring often for about 6 minutes, until the potatoes start to turn golden and become tender but still firm.
- Add ground beef and vegetables: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Then add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue cooking, breaking up the beef further as it cooks through.
- Add chiles, spices, and cilantro: Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Final seasoning and cheese topping: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly over the skillet and cook for another minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use avocado oil for a higher smoke point and a mild flavor that complements the dish.
- Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika to control the heat level as per your taste preference.
- The cheese can be omitted to make this dish lower in fat and suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
