Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving bold flavors with the ultimate comfort factor, the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly sautéed potatoes mingling with seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and a blanket of melted, gooey cheese—all in one pan! This hearty meal hails from the best of Mexican-American home cooking and is every bit as satisfying as it sounds. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this skillet hits all the high notes: easy, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient serves a starring role, contributing to the rich taste, satisfying texture, and vibrant look of the dish. Don’t be afraid to tweak them a bit to match what you have on hand or your spice preferences!
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for juicy flavor that won’t dry out during cooking.
- Olive oil: Divided for perfect sautéing and browning, adds lushness to both potatoes and beef.
- Russet potatoes: Peeled and diced small so they crisp up and soften just right, giving the skillet its heartiness.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth once sautéed, building flavor into every bite.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color and a fresh, earthy crunch that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Garlic: Just two cloves minced in for irresistible aroma and punchy taste.
- Chili powder: Delivers the signature warmth and spice that makes the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe pop.
- Ground cumin: A sprinkle brings nutty, earthy undertones that are unmistakably Mexican-inspired.
- Smoked paprika: For subtle smokiness and gorgeous red color.
- Salt: Highlights all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: A little kick to balance the chili and cumin.
- Tomato sauce: Adds a touch of sauciness and ties the seasoning together.
- Water: Helps everything come together and ensures perfectly tender potatoes.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: The finishing touch; melty, creamy, and absolutely irresistible when sprinkled on top.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges: Totally optional, but the fresh touch and zesty kick are magical atop the finished dish.
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Start by heating up one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced potatoes and let them cook, stirring now and then, until they’re golden and nearly tender—about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is all about building a crispy, savory base that anchors the rest of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe. Once done, scoop the potatoes out and set them aside so they don’t get mushy.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it get nice and browned; this gives you that savory, crave-worthy flavor. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off—no one likes a greasy skillet!
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Next, stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté everything for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion is soft and the peppers lose their crunch. These vegetables will bring sweetness, crunch, and a little color to your skillet, making every forkful sing.
Step 4: Season Everything
Now it’s time for the heart and soul of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe: the spices. Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and veggies thoroughly—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes and Potatoes
Pour in the tomato sauce and water, then return the sautéed potatoes to the pan. Stir gently to bring everything together, cover, and let it simmer on medium-low for 8 to 10 minutes. This melds all those gorgeous flavors and softens the potatoes just perfectly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Pop the lid back on for a minute or two—just until that cheese gets all melty and delicious. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if you want a final pop of brightness. Your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges take this skillet to the next level. The cilantro brings herbal brightness, while a squeeze of lime cuts through the richness with just the right hint of tang. Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños if you love extra heat—it’s your skillet, make it shine!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it really shines alongside warm flour or corn tortillas. Spoon some into tortillas for easy tacos, or enjoy it with a simple green salad or a bowl of Mexican rice. Refried beans or charred street corn are always a hit if you feel like adding a little extra flair to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe as a tasty filling for burritos or quesadillas. You can even spoon it over crispy tostada shells or pile it onto nachos for a game day appetizer. For fun family dinners, set everything out with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and pickled onions so everyone can build their own masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover servings keep beautifully! Let any extra Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe cool completely, then cover and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors get even deeper after resting overnight, making lunch the next day extra delicious.
Freezing
You bet you can freeze this dish. Just place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating—this keeps both taste and texture at their best.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if things look a little dry. You can also microwave single servings, covered, for a minute or two, pausing to stir. If you like, top with a fresh sprinkle of cheese and some cilantro to perk up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Yukon Golds or even red potatoes work well. Just dice them small for even cooking, and note that the texture might be a touch creamier. You can also try sweet potatoes for a fun, slightly sweet variation.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper or a good splash of your favorite hot sauce. Mexican hot sauce or even chipotle powder can kick up the heat beautifully and stay true to the dish’s roots.
Can I make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute with your favorite plant-based ground meat or use black beans or lentils. The seasonings and veggies make this skillet super flexible without losing flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
A classic Mexican blend is perfect, but you can use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some spicy zip. Cheese lovers can (and should!) experiment with blends for a melty, gooey finish.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes is traditional and gives a more uniform texture, but leaving the skins on works too, especially if you love a rustic touch and the added nutrients. Just be sure to scrub them well!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is a weeknight favorite in so many kitchens: it’s hearty, easy, and always bursting with flavor. I hope you’ll give this one-pan wonder a spot on your table and share it with family or friends. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever made dinner without it!
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Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a blend of spices, tender potatoes, and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced small)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook diced potatoes until golden and nearly tender, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add remaining oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, water, and return potatoes to the pan. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and melt for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or hot sauce.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
- This dish is great as a taco filling or served with warm tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
