Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender, golden potatoes mingling with juicy, spiced ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and the zing of green chiles—all coming together in one sizzling skillet. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and delicious. I absolutely love how effortlessly this recipe captures the zest of Mexican-inspired cooking while using everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the crispy potatoes adding a golden texture to the colorful vegetables and aromatic spices layering in that signature Mexican flair. These essentials keep the dish balanced, flavorful, and visually inviting—making cooking just as enjoyable as eating.
- Avocado oil: A healthy oil that withstands high heat and adds a subtle, buttery flavor to the potatoes.
- Potatoes: Cubed into 1/2-inch pieces for perfect tenderness and a satisfying bite.
- Lean ground beef: The protein star that absorbs all the spices and creates a rich, savory base.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the beef.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild, natural sweetness to contrast the spices.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
- Diced green chiles: Deliver a lively, tangy kick that’s integral to this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe.
- Chili powder: Provides warmth and smoky spice, anchoring the flavor profile.
- Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, nutty tone that deepens the Mexican-inspired taste.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts subtle smokiness that elevates the skillet’s complexity.
- Fresh cilantro: Offers a bright, herbaceous finish that refreshes the palate.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt beautifully for gooey, indulgent topping.
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the oil and cook potatoes
Start by heating two tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the oil carefully to coat the entire pan base, then reduce the heat to medium. Add your cubed potatoes and cook them, stirring often, for about six minutes. You want them to develop a golden crust while still being tender inside but not falling apart. This step sets the stage with a crispy, flavorful potato foundation that perfectly complements the beef and spices.
Step 2: Add ground beef and vegetables
Push the partially cooked potatoes to one side of the skillet, creating space for the next ingredients. Add the lean ground beef, gently breaking it up as it browns. Toss in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper, then season everything with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Keep stirring and breaking up the beef until it’s fully cooked and the vegetables are nicely softened. This combination builds layers of savory richness and sweet vegetable undertones that are so satisfying.
Step 3: Add chiles, spices, and cilantro
Now comes the magic touch: stir in the diced green chiles along with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and the freshly chopped cilantro. Make sure to mix everything well so the spices coat all the ingredients evenly. Continue cooking for another six to eight minutes until the potatoes are tender through and the beef mixture is beautifully infused with those signature Mexican flavors that make this skillet dish unforgettable.
Step 4: Final seasoning and cheese topping
Taste the skillet and adjust the salt if necessary—sometimes a little extra seasoning brings all the flavors into perfect harmony. Then sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheese evenly across the top of the skillet. Let it melt gently for about a minute, forming a warm, gooey blanket that adds richness and an extra layer of comfort. If you like, garnish with additional cilantro for fresh color and herbaceous brightness before serving right from the skillet.
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a handful of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream really brighten this dish and provide a cool contrast to the warm, spicy flavors. A squeeze of lime over the top adds an extra zing that wakes up your taste buds. Don’t be shy about adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños for more texture and heat.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe with sides like warm tortillas, a fresh green salad, or black beans balances out the meal perfectly. Rice or a simple avocado salad also complements the skillet’s richness and lets the flavors shine without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
This recipe works wonderfully as a hearty filling for stuffed peppers or wrapped inside soft flour tortillas for a quick taco night. You can even spoon it over nachos, topping with salsa and guacamole for an irresistible game-day snack with a Mexican twist. The versatility is truly part of what makes this dish so much fun to enjoy in different ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe stays delicious for up to three days, keeping flavors vibrant and the texture comforting. It’s a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing works great. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it’ll last up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly without drying out the potatoes or beef. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered, for a couple of minutes until piping hot. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the moisture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! While waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape nicely, you can also use russets for a fluffier texture, just be careful not to overcook so they don’t turn mushy in the skillet.
How spicy is the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the mild green chiles and chili powder. If you prefer more or less spice, you can adjust the amount of chiles or experiment with different chili powders to suit your taste preferences.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well with this recipe. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, especially for leaner meats.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It sure is! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten in their diet.
What cheese works best for melting on top?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack both melt beautifully, offering a creamy, slightly sharp flavor that complements the spices perfectly. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like pepper jack or a mild mozzarella.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe enough—it’s an easy, flavorful dish that feels both comforting and exciting on the plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, it’s the kind of recipe that sticks with you, inviting you back for seconds. So go ahead, grab those simple ingredients, and whip this up soon; I promise it will brighten your dinner routine in the best way possible.
Print
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal that combines tender golden potatoes with seasoned ground beef, diced vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe features a blend of aromatic spices, green chiles, and fresh cilantro to bring a delicious Mexican-inspired touch to your weeknight table.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Oils and Spices
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Kosher salt, about 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dairy
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook potatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl the oil to coat the skillet bottom evenly and reduce the heat to medium. Add the cubed potatoes and cook while stirring often for about 6 minutes, until the potatoes start to turn golden and become tender but still firm.
- Add ground beef and vegetables: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Then add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue cooking, breaking up the beef further as it cooks through.
- Add chiles, spices, and cilantro: Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Final seasoning and cheese topping: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly over the skillet and cook for another minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use any shredded melting cheese you prefer such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
- This dish can be reheated well and tastes great the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
