The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together the heartiness of beef, the comfort of potatoes, and the zest of Mexican spices in one irresistible pan. With tender cubes of golden potatoes, juicy ground beef, sweet red peppers, and the gentle heat of green chiles, this skillet is a savory symphony of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re craving a cozy family meal or prepping for the week ahead, this dish has you covered. Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s not only a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes. Serve it solo, with rice, tucked into tortillas, or next to a fresh salad versatility and flavor are at the core of this easy favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons avocado oil
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1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
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1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
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1/2 cup diced yellow onion
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons salt)
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4 ounces diced green chiles (mild or hot based on preference)
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2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
Directions:
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Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl to coat the bottom, then reduce to medium heat.
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Add potatoes and sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring often, until golden and slightly tender.
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Push potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the other side, crumble and cook.
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Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until beef is browned and veggies soften.
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Stir in green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cilantro. Mix everything together and cook for another 6-8 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and beef is fully cooked.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover and cook for 1-2 minutes until melted. Garnish with more cilantro and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Classic
There’s something timeless about a skillet meal that brings together rich flavors, minimal cleanup, and hearty satisfaction. One such meal that hits every mark is the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet. This dish is a celebration of simplicity and flavor the kind of comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting. With golden crispy potatoes, savory lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a warming blend of Mexican spices, it’s no wonder this one-pan wonder has become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and meal prep warriors alike.
But what makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser isn’t just its convenience it’s the way the ingredients harmonize. The creamy bite of Yukon gold potatoes contrasts perfectly with the meatiness of seasoned beef. Add in tender-crisp bell peppers, a kick of green chiles, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese, and you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent but is made with everyday pantry staples.
Let’s take a deeper look into why the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
A Nod to Tradition, With a Modern Twist
This skillet dinner echoes the heart of classic Mexican and Tex-Mex home cooking dishes that are deeply rooted in resourcefulness, family tradition, and big flavor. Many Mexican households create meals from simple staples like potatoes, ground meat, onions, peppers, and spices ingredients that are versatile, economical, and nourishing.
In this particular recipe, the addition of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder brings warmth and depth to every bite. These spices are commonly found in Mexican cuisine and are used not just for heat, but for aroma and richness. The dish is then brightened with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and brought to indulgent heights with melted cheese cheddar or Monterey jack work beautifully, adding creaminess and just the right hint of sharpness.
This blend of earthy, spicy, cheesy, and fresh creates a symphony of tastes that feel nostalgic, yet elevated. It’s the ultimate comfort food hearty enough for a cold night, easy enough for a rushed evening, and flavorful enough to impress guests.
Why One-Pan Meals Win Every Time
One-pan meals like this skillet recipe continue to dominate home kitchens for good reason. They simplify the cooking process, reduce cleanup, and allow for flavors to build naturally as ingredients cook together.
Cooking everything in a single skillet means the potatoes absorb some of the beef’s savory juices, enhancing their flavor, while the vegetables caramelize just enough to bring out their natural sweetness. Unlike oven-baked casseroles or sheet pan dinners, skillet cooking offers more control over the texture and timing, ensuring nothing becomes overcooked or soggy.
This approach also encourages creative cooking. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can experiment with new additions or substitutions without complicating the process or dirtying another dish.
Meal Prep Magic
The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet isn’t just perfect for dinner; it’s a lifesaver when it comes to meal prepping. With a solid balance of carbs, protein, and fats, it makes for a well-rounded, filling lunch or dinner that reheats beautifully.
Stored in an airtight container, the dish will last up to five days in the fridge, making it ideal for work lunches, post-workout dinners, or weeknight meals that need to come together fast. And because it’s made with whole ingredients and no heavy sauces or preservatives, you’re getting a clean, nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Some fans of the recipe like to prep it ahead of time and freeze portions though it’s worth noting that potatoes can become grainy or watery after thawing, so fresh is usually best. That said, this dish comes together so quickly, it’s easy enough to whip up midweek without needing to rely on freezer meals.
Make It Your Own: Customization Ideas
One of the biggest strengths of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re dealing with dietary restrictions, picky eaters, or simply want to use up leftovers in your fridge, this dish adapts effortlessly.
Looking for a leaner option? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the spice mix and vegetables, but with a slightly lighter nutritional profile.
Want to go vegetarian? Substitute the beef for black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative like soy crumbles or tofu. The spices and cheese will still carry the dish beautifully.
Add more vegetables. Zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or spinach can all make their way into the pan for added nutrition and texture. Just be sure to add delicate veggies like spinach towards the end of cooking so they don’t overcook.
Make it spicy. Use hot green chiles, add a dash of cayenne, or stir in some diced jalapeños. For even more flavor, consider splashing in a bit of enchilada sauce or smoky chipotle sauce.
Serve it your way. Eat it as is, spoon it over a bed of rice, tuck it into tortillas for tacos or burritos, or even top it with a fried egg for a savory breakfast option. The possibilities are endless.
Health and Nutrition Insights
At first glance, this dish might seem indulgent ground beef, cheese, potatoes but it’s actually quite balanced. Each component contributes a range of macro- and micronutrients, and with smart choices (like lean beef and moderate cheese), it becomes a nutritious meal that fuels you throughout the day.
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Lean protein from beef supports muscle repair and satiety.
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Potatoes, especially Yukon golds, offer vitamin C, potassium, and fiber especially when the skins are left on.
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Bell peppers and onions are full of antioxidants and vitamin-rich goodness.
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Cheese, used in moderation, brings calcium and satisfying richness.
And let’s not forget: cooking your own meals allows you to control sodium, fat content, and portion sizes a huge win over takeout or prepackaged meals.
Cultural Appreciation, Not Imitation
It’s important to note that while this recipe is “Mexican-inspired,” it’s not an authentic dish from traditional Mexican cuisine. Instead, it blends flavors and cooking styles that are familiar in many Mexican-American households, especially in the Southwestern U.S.
The goal here isn’t to replicate a heritage dish, but rather to appreciate the bold, comforting flavors that have roots in Mexican culinary traditions from the aromatic spice blends to the humble combination of meat, potatoes, and peppers.
It’s a skillet full of fusion and flavor, made with love and pantry staples.
Conclusion:
The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a modern classic one of those recipes that becomes a staple in your kitchen after just one try. It’s got everything we crave: comfort, warmth, versatility, and ease. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or just need something satisfying at the end of a long day, this dish delivers.
Its ingredients are affordable, its flavors are bold, and its prep is minimal all wrapped into one cheesy, golden, savory skillet. Best of all, it welcomes your personal touch, inviting you to tweak, add, and remix to suit your taste or dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl (or on a plate), this is it. Serve it hot, with a side of guacamole, a fresh salad, or warm tortillas and don’t be surprised if it disappears before you have a chance to save leftovers.