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.
