Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

This hearty Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is pure comfort in a pan, delivering bold flavors and weeknight-friendly simplicity. It’s a vibrant combination of golden potatoes, perfectly seasoned beef, and colorful veggies, all melded together with a melty layer of cheese. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or want delicious leftovers for lunch, this skillet promises a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both satisfying and endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet are humble but mighty. Each item adds its own special touch, whether it’s a punch of color, a smoky accent, or that all-important melty finish. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each part matters!

• Avocado oil: Provides a neutral, high-heat base for sautéing, keeping everything crisp and golden.
• Potatoes: Cut into cubes, they soak up flavor and create a hearty, tender bed for the rest of the skillet.
• Lean ground beef: Brings protein and savory depth, making the dish filling and rich.
• Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and aroma, onion helps balance the earthy potatoes and beef.
• Red bell pepper: Diced, this veggie offers color, crunch, and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, so be sure to taste as you go.
• Diced green chiles: Add mild heat and that signature Tex-Mex kick.
• Chili powder: Packs the foundation of the skillet’s smoky, spicy flavor profile.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth, transporting you straight to classic Mexican flavors.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that gently perfumes every bite.
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh for a final, herby brightness right at the end.
• Shredded cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, tying the skillet together with irresistible creaminess.

How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes

Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers and easily coats the bottom, reduce the heat to medium. Add your cubed potatoes and let them cook, stirring often so every side gets that beautiful golden color. The goal here is to soften the potatoes and give them a slightly crisp edge—this takes about six minutes. Don’t worry if they aren’t totally tender yet, there’s more cooking ahead!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Push those potatoes to one side of the skillet, making room for the star protein. Add the lean ground beef, crumbling it with your spatula to help it cook evenly. Add in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper as well. Sprinkle everything with a generous pinch of kosher salt and several cracks of black pepper. Keep breaking the beef apart as it cooks alongside the veggies, savoring the wonderful aroma as everything starts to meld together.

Step 3: Add Chiles and Spices

Now it’s time to wake up those taste buds! Add the diced green chiles to the pan, then sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro. Give everything a thorough stir so every potato, piece of beef, and veggie gets coated in that flavor-packed mixture. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes—by the end, the potatoes should be fork-tender and the beef fully cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

Taste your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet and adjust the salt if needed. Scatter the shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for about a minute. Watch as the cheese melts into the nooks and crannies, then scatter a bit more cilantro on top if you want an extra pop of freshness. Serve hot and dig in!

How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes bring bursts of flavor and color to this skillet. I love finishing with more chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of diced scallions, or even a spoonful of tangy sour cream for contrast. A squeeze of lime takes everything up a notch, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

This skillet shines on its own, but pairing it with simple sides turns dinner into a feast. Warm tortillas are a classic partner—use them to scoop up bites or wrap everything into an impromptu taco. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad or some quick pickled onions. Mexican rice and refried beans add extra heartiness if you’re feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is endlessly versatile when it comes to presentation. Try spooning it onto tostadas for a seriously satisfying appetizer, stuffing it into bell peppers for a wholesome twist, or even piling it over a bed of leafy greens for a taco-inspired salad. Leftovers make amazing breakfast hash with a runny fried egg on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll happily keep for three to four days. This dish tastes even more flavorful after a day or two, as the spices continue to deepen.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this skillet! Let it cool thoroughly, then pack portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s the ultimate solution for busy days or emergency comfort food cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your leftovers into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Stir gently until hot, then add a little cheese if you really want to treat yourself. The microwave works well for single servings too—just cover and heat until nice and steamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo work beautifully in this skillet. Each brings its own unique flavor, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites.

What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape nicely and have a buttery texture, but russets also work if you love a creamier bite. Just cut them small and uniform so they cook evenly.

Is this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet spicy?

It has a gentle kick from the diced green chiles and chili powder, but it’s mostly family-friendly. For extra heat, toss in some minced jalapeño or add hot sauce at the table.

Can I make this meal dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying skillet full of big flavors.

How do I make this a complete one-pan meal?

Add some canned black beans or corn alongside the veggies for a boost of protein and color. A handful of spinach stirred in at the end wilts perfectly without much extra effort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a weeknight winner that brings bold flavors and cozy satisfaction, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is calling your name. It’s reliable, customizable, and always hits the spot—so gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and make dinner the highlight of your day!

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