If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, comforting textures, and a touch of cheesy goodness, you have to try this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s an absolute favorite that blends tender potatoes, savory ground beef, vibrant veggies, and those signature Mexican spices into one hearty dish that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this skillet offers a quick, satisfying meal with layers of flavor you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and perfect texture—from crisp-tender potatoes to aromatic spices. Having these essentials on hand means you’re just moments away from a delicious homemade meal.
- Avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil that withstands high heat, perfect for sautéing potatoes to a golden crisp.
- Potatoes: Cubed into 1/2 inch pieces, they provide a satisfying bite and soak up all the savory flavors.
- Lean ground beef: The protein star of this skillet, bringing rich, meaty depth.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that enhances every bite.
- Red bell pepper: Brightens the dish with color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to lift all the flavors.
- Diced green chiles: Bring a gentle smoky heat, perfectly balanced in the mix.
- Chili powder: The backbone of the Mexican spice blend, infusing warmth and earthiness.
- Ground cumin: Adds an unmistakable, aromatic depth.
- Smoked paprika: A smoky, subtle kick that rounds out the spice profile.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous, it’s the perfect finishing touch to brighten flavors.
- Shredded cheese: Melts into the skillet creating a luscious, gooey topping that everyone loves.
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Begin by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl it around to evenly coat the pan. Add your cubed potatoes and stir frequently for about 6 minutes. You want them to turn a lovely golden brown and become tender enough to pierce with a fork, but still have some firmness. This step ensures that each bite delivers a crispy exterior with a soft center, creating a wonderful texture contrast throughout the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet to make room, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef starts giving off its juices, toss in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Season everything with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cooking the beef and veggies together lets the sweet aroma of the onions and pepper marry beautifully with the savory meat, setting the stage for delicious depth.
Step 3: Add Mexican Flavors and Finish Cooking
Time to bring in those signature Mexican flavors! Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything thoroughly so each piece is coated with the spices. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is fully cooked. This slow melding of ingredients allows the spices to penetrate and harmonize perfectly, turning your skillet into a heartwarming fiesta of flavors.
Step 4: Melt Cheese and Garnish
Once your skillet is seasoned to perfection, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet for about a minute to melt it. The melted cheese creates a luscious, inviting layer that pulls everything together like a flavorful blanket. Finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like, giving it that fresh, bright pop that makes each bite irresistible.
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices takes this skillet from fantastic to fabulous. The cool creaminess balances the warm spices and adds a lovely cream texture that’s hard to resist. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a zingy brightness that enlivens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh, crunchy sides like a crisp green salad, sliced radishes, or even warm tortillas for scooping. Black beans or Mexican rice on the side can make your meal even more filling and welcoming for a full feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe family-style right from the pan for a cozy, communal vibe. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or into warm corn tortillas for quick and fun tacos. You can even layer it into a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and bake briefly for a melty, all-in-one dish that’s perfect for potlucks or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe stays delicious refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more overnight, perfect for quick packed lunches or reheating for dinner after a busy day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes very well when cooled completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space to expand. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and makes a great make-ahead meal for those hectic weeks when time is tight but you still want something tasty and homemade.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the potatoes’ moisture and prevent drying. Cover the pan to trap steam and heat evenly. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered in short bursts, stirring in between, for quick reheating that keeps the dish flavorful and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes work well for their starchy texture, but Yukon golds or red potatoes will also give a wonderful creamy inside and crisp outside. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the potato firmness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and black beans for a completely vegetarian version. The spices and veggies will still shine, giving you plenty of flavor without the meat.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the green chiles and chili powder. You can adjust the spice by using milder or hotter chile varieties and adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste buds.
What can I substitute if I don’t have avocado oil?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or light olive oil will work great for sautéing the potatoes. Just avoid delicate oils that might burn quickly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check any packaged spices or canned green chiles to confirm gluten-free labeling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and vibrant Mexican flavors to your table with ease, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is your answer. It’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and totally satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This vibrant Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet combines tender cubed potatoes, lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of authentic Mexican spices. Finished with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook potatoes: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl the oil to coat the skillet evenly and reduce the heat to medium. Add the cubed potatoes and stir often, cooking for about 6 minutes until they start to turn golden and become slightly tender but still firm.
- Add ground beef and vegetables: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the lean ground beef. Crumble the beef as it cooks, then add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Season with kosher salt and black pepper (1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt). Continue breaking apart the beef as it cooks thoroughly.
- Incorporate spices and cook through: Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Season and add cheese: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the skillet and cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot: Serve this flavorful skillet dish hot for a satisfying and easy Mexican-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use avocado oil for a high smoke point and mild flavor that complements the dish.
- You can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika to control heat levels according to your preference.
- This dish can be served with warm tortillas or a side of rice for a more complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
