If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico straight to your table, the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, golden-cooked potatoes with savory ground beef seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, creating a comforting, colorful skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The balance of textures and the bold Mexican-inspired flavors will have everyone asking for seconds before you even finish serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe a smashing success. Each one plays a vital role, enhancing the dish’s taste, texture, and vibrant color, while keeping the preparation simple and straightforward.
- Avocado oil: Adds a subtle, buttery flavor and is perfect for high-heat cooking without burning.
- Potatoes: Cubed potatoes provide hearty texture and soak up all the savory flavors with every bite.
- Lean ground beef: Offers a rich, meaty base packed with protein while keeping the dish from feeling heavy.
- Diced yellow onion: Brings sweetness and moisture that perfectly complements the beef and potatoes.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a bright pop of color and natural sweetness for balance.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the flavors.
- Diced green chiles: Infuse the dish with a gentle heat and earthy complexity native to Mexican cuisine.
- Chili powder: Delivers a smoky spiciness that perks up the entire skillet.
- Ground cumin: Adds warm, herbal notes that deepen the flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that ties all the spices together brilliantly.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh herb that brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack): Melts beautifully on top for a creamy, indulgent finish.
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the oil and cook potatoes
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, coat the skillet evenly and reduce the heat to medium. Add your cubed potatoes and cook them for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently so they brown evenly. You want them tender but still holding their shape for the perfect texture contrast later.
Step 2: Add ground beef and vegetables
Once the potatoes begin to golden, carefully push them to one side of the skillet. Add the lean ground beef next, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Introduce the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper, seasoning the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the veggies soften.
Step 3: Add chiles, spices, and cilantro
Now it’s time for the beautiful burst of flavors. Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro, making sure every piece of potato and beef is coated in these rich spices. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the potatoes to finish cooking and the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 4: Final seasoning and cheese topping
Give everything a taste to check your seasoning, and add a little more salt if needed. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover the pan briefly or reduce heat so the cheese melts slowly, creating a gooey, irresistible top layer. Garnish with extra cilantro if you like some freshness with each bite, and serve immediately while hot.
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe by adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. These brighten and cool down the spices, adding layers of flavor and color that make the dish look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some warm tortillas. Fresh pico de gallo or guacamole make excellent sides too, adding vibrant freshness and creamy texture that balance the hearty skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this dish straight from the skillet at the table, encouraging everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, scoop portions into warm taco shells or stuff inside baked potatoes for a fun twist that transports this simple skillet into a festive Mexican feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy days ahead.
Freezing
If you want to save the skillet for longer, freezing is a great choice. Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. Stored properly, it will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, ready for a quick reheat when you need a comforting meal fast.
Reheating
When reheating your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat to bring back its crispy edges and gooey cheese. Alternatively, microwave covered for a minute or two, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best due to their texture, you can experiment with red potatoes or fingerlings. Just make sure to cut them into uniform cubes so they cook evenly alongside the beef.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a moderate level of spice from the chili powder and green chiles, but it can be adjusted easily. Feel free to add more or less chili powder or swap mild green chiles for hotter varieties if you prefer more heat.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives, and ground pork could add a bit more richness. Just keep the same cooking times and be sure your protein is fully cooked before proceeding.
What cheese works best for the topping?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are perfect for their meltability and flavor, but you could also try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of cheeses for extra richness. Choose whatever you enjoy most!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply omit the cheese topping or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The dish will still be full of flavor and satisfying without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the warmth and vibrant flavors packed into this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s a comforting dish that feels like a hug in skillet form, and it’s so easy to whip up any night of the week. I encourage you to try making this recipe at home—you’ll delight in how simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of personality. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal combining tender golden potatoes, seasoned lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and spicy green chiles. Perfectly spiced with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this dish is finished with fresh cilantro and melted cheese for a comforting, flavorful dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Protein
- 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
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Spices and Seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (approximately 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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 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
- Use avocado oil for its high smoke point and mild flavor.
- Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or increase the amount of green chiles.
- Cheese varieties like cheddar or Monterey Jack melt well and complement the flavors.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
