If you are craving a comfort meal that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender golden potatoes mingling with spiced ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a melty cheese topping all cooked together in one skillet. This dish is not just easy to make but also hearty enough to please a hungry crowd any night of the week. It’s a vibrant twist on classic comfort food that delivers warmth, spice, and a little bit of fiesta in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but purposeful, with ingredients that shine individually and come together to create something special. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy avocado oil that helps brown the potatoes and beef perfectly to the fresh cilantro that adds a bright finish.
- Avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil that withstands high heat without burning, giving your potatoes a crisp golden crust.
- Potatoes: Cut into half-inch cubes, they provide a tender yet slightly firm texture throughout the skillet.
- Lean ground beef: Adds robust flavor and satisfying protein without too much grease.
- Diced yellow onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth as it softens alongside the beef.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and gentle sweetness balancing the savory spices.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjusting to taste ensures every bite is just right.
- Diced green chiles: These add a mild heat and classic Mexican flair.
- Chili powder: Provides that signature warmth and complexity typical of Mexican cuisine.
- Ground cumin: Brings earthiness and a slightly nutty undertone.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the flavors.
- Shredded cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping that completes this skillet with indulgence.
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook Potatoes
Start by heating avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, swirl it to coat the pan and lower the heat to medium. Add the cubed potatoes and cook them, stirring frequently, for about six minutes. Their goal here is to develop a beautiful golden color and tender texture while still holding a slight bite. Achieving this balance lays a wonderful foundation for the rest of the skillet.
Step 2: Add Ground Beef and Vegetables
Next, push those potatoes to one side of the skillet to make room. Add your lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and then toss in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper for sweetness and crunch. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Keep stirring so the beef browns nicely and the onions soften—watch as aromas start filling your kitchen, promising something special.
Step 3: Incorporate Spices and Cilantro
Now for the magic touch: sprinkle in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir in the chopped cilantro for fresh brightness. These spices soak into every bit of beef and potato, transforming simple ingredients into a warm, vibrant meal. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften fully and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Cheese Topping
Before you finish, give everything a taste and add a little more salt if needed to amplify those flavors. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet and cover it for a minute or so until the cheese melts into a luscious topping. For a final flourish, garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves. This step adds richness and an irresistible gooey element that makes this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe a total crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt alongside chopped avocado or fresh lime wedges. Fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of diced green onions will add a burst of freshness and color. These garnishes create balance with the hearty skillet, giving each bite a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands proud on its own but also pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or warm corn tortillas for scooping every last bite. Refried beans or Mexican rice also make excellent companions, rounding out the meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe as a hearty filling inside soft flour tortillas or as a topping for crispy tostadas. You could also turn it into a loaded Mexican-style baked potato topping for a casual twist. These options are great for gatherings or when you want to keep mealtime exciting and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare), transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day without any extra cooking fuss.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Cool the skillet completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain flavor and texture for up to three months, offering you a ready-to-go homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for even heating. You can also microwave leftovers covered loosely but do so in short bursts to keep the cheese from overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture after cooking. Russets may fall apart more, but they can work if you prefer a softer bite.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe has a mild kick thanks to green chiles and chili powder, but it is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you love extra spice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. The spices and vegetables will still bring plenty of flavor, making for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian skillet.
What’s the best cheese to use for melting?
Cheddar works great for sharpness and meltability, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend. Choose whatever cheese melts well and suits your flavor preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it for a gathering?
Definitely. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Just reheat gently before serving to keep that perfect melted cheese texture and tender potatoes.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, bringing together simple ingredients into a party of flavors that everyone will love. Once you make it, I bet it will become a regular favorite at your table, just like it is at mine.
Print
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A flavorful and hearty Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet made with tender potatoes, lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. This quick and easy skillet meal offers a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Skillet Ingredients
- 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
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (approximately 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt)
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Potatoes: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, swirl it to coat the bottom of the skillet and then reduce the heat to medium. Add the cubed potatoes and cook them, stirring often, for about 6 minutes or until they start turning golden and becoming tender but still firm enough to eat.
- Add Ground Beef and Vegetables: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add in the lean ground beef and crumble it with a spatula. Then add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue to cook, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until the beef is mostly browned.
- Incorporate Spices and Cilantro: Add the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro to the skillet. Stir everything together to blend flavors thoroughly. Continue cooking until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Final Seasoning and Cheese Topping: Taste the mixture and add more salt if necessary. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet and cook for another minute until the cheese is melted. Optionally, garnish with extra cilantro before serving hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier and less greasy.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika based on your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked beans.
- Serve with tortillas or over rice for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
