There’s something irresistible about the aroma of sizzling ground beef, roasted potatoes, and smoky spices wafting through the kitchen. Growing up, my mom made a simple skillet dinner that was our go-to comfort food — tender potatoes and beef cooked together until golden, then smothered in cheese. Over the years, I gave her classic a little southwest twist with chili powder, cumin, and green chiles. The result? This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet, a wholesome one-pan meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. If you’ve ever wondered what to make with hamburger and potatoes that isn’t boring, this dish is your answer.
This easy recipe combines crispy potatoes, lean beef, onions, red bell pepper, and melty cheese into one colorful meal. It’s one of those family-friendly dinner recipes that satisfy everyone — even picky eaters. And the best part? You can make it in under 35 minutes from start to finish.
The Story Behind the Skillet
A Comfort Dish With a Twist
Every family has a recipe that feels like home. For us, it was a simple beef and potato skillet — nothing fancy, just filling comfort food. When I started experimenting in my own kitchen, I swapped the traditional seasoning for southwest flavors like chili powder, cumin, and a hint of smoked paprika. The result was a flavorful Mexican ground beef and potato skillet that took me right back to those cozy nights, but with a spicy kick that made it even better.
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Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy Mexican ground beef and potato skillet is a 35-minute one-pan meal with bold southwest flavors — perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 pound potatoes, cubed
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp salt and pepper
4 oz diced green chiles
2 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Heat oil in skillet; add potatoes and cook until golden.
2. Push potatoes aside; add ground beef, onion, and pepper.
3. Cook until beef browns; season with salt and pepper.
4. Add chiles and spices; stir to combine.
5. Cook 6–8 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Top with cheese and melt; garnish with cilantro.
Notes
For meal prep, store portions in containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 306mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 81mg
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this dish special is its balance. The potatoes get golden and slightly crispy, while the meals with taco meat ground beef bring savory depth. The green chiles add just enough heat without overpowering, and the cheese ties everything together with creamy richness. It’s a simple formula — beef, potatoes, spice, and cheese — but when cooked in a cast-iron skillet, the flavors meld into something magical. Plus, it’s meal prep–friendly and reheats beautifully for lunches or weeknight leftovers.
Ingredients and Flavor Layers
The Simple Ingredients That Shine
For this whole food ground beef recipe, you only need pantry staples and a few fresh vegetables. The red potatoes give the dish body and natural sweetness, while the lean ground beef keeps it hearty but not greasy. The onion and red bell pepper bring brightness, and the green chiles create that signature Mexican flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Building the Southwest Flavors
The secret to perfect flavor lies in the spice blend. Chili powder adds warmth, cumin offers earthiness, and smoked paprika gives it a hint of campfire smokiness. These spices make the dish a natural fit among southwest dinner recipes, especially when paired with fresh cilantro and melted cheese at the end. Every bite bursts with savory heat and comfort.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
One Skillet, Zero Stress
Start by heating avocado oil in a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Add diced potatoes and sauté until golden and just tender. This step creates that perfect crisp edge that makes the potatoes irresistible. Push them aside, then crumble in the ground beef. As it browns, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Infuse, Simmer, and Serve
When the beef is cooked, stir in green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The skillet will smell incredible at this point — rich, spicy, and inviting. Let everything cook together for about 6–8 minutes, so the potatoes absorb all that flavor. Sprinkle cheese over the top, let it melt, and finish with a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve it right from the skillet for a rustic presentation that brings everyone to the table.
Serving and Meal Ideas
Versatile Ways to Enjoy It
This Mexican ground beef and potato skillet isn’t just a dinner; it’s a meal that adapts to your needs. Scoop it into taco shells for a quick handheld meal, stuff it into burritos for a hearty lunch, or top it with fried eggs for breakfast. It’s one of those hamburger meal prep ideas that truly stretch across the week.
Pairings and Add-Ons
For a lighter side, pair it with a green salad or roasted corn. Want more spice? Add jalapeños or a drizzle of chipotle sauce. You can also stir in black beans or corn for extra texture. This recipe easily fits into dinners with ground beef healthy collections — made with real ingredients and full of protein, fiber, and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick, Nutritious, and Delicious
When life gets hectic, it’s comforting to have a recipe like this — fast, filling, and bursting with flavor. You’ll love how it transforms a simple pound of ground beef into something truly exciting. It’s easy to clean up (just one skillet) and fits any meal plan — from weeknight dinners to meal prep Sundays.
Family-Approved Favorite
This is the kind of dish you’ll make once and find yourself craving again. It hits all the right notes: warm, cheesy, smoky, and satisfying. If you’ve been looking for meals with red meat that please the whole family, this skillet will quickly earn its place in your rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work beautifully for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-rich version.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
3. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melts perfectly into the skillet.
4. How do I meal prep this recipe?
Divide into containers, let cool, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
5. Can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or extra green chiles to increase the heat.
Conclusion
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is more than a dinner — it’s a quick, satisfying celebration of flavor. Whether you’re searching for red potato meals or healthy dinners with ground beef, this dish delivers every time. It’s easy, affordable, and packed with comforting southwest charm.
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