Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Scrumptious, savory, and bursting with color, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is the kind of weeknight dinner that dances onto your table and begs for seconds. It’s a hearty, one-pan meal where tender potatoes soak up all the seasoned juices, ground beef is flavored just right, and melty cheese finishes everything off with that “cozy night in” touch. Every bite balances comforting flavors with zesty freshness, making this an instant family favorite you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe has a purpose — from building a savory base to adding a pop of flavor or a creamy finish. Simple, fresh ingredients come together for a dish that’s as delightful as it is easy to whip up!
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes brown beautifully, infusing the whole skillet with a gentle richness.
- Ground beef: Adds heartiness and soaks up all those wonderful spices for depth in every bite.
- Yellow onion: Sweetens as it cooks and gives a subtle background flavor that ties everything together.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings just the right touch of aromatic kick (don’t skip it!).
- Russet potatoes: These get crispy at the edges and tender inside, soaking up the flavors beautifully.
- Ground cumin: Earthy, warm notes that make this skillet feel truly Mexican-inspired.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and gorgeous color without overpowering the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness, elevating the meat-and-potatoes combo to something special.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing forward all the flavors in the pan.
- Tomato sauce or salsa: Adds acidity and ties together all the beef and potato goodness.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: The gooey, melty finish that makes this skillet totally irresistible.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Brightens up every serving with a lively herbal note.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime right before eating makes every bite pop!
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced potatoes and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure they start to turn golden on the outside while softening inside. This not only develops flavor but ensures you get those magical crispy edges that everyone fights over!
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Onions
Push the golden potatoes to one side of the skillet so you have space for the next act. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the open part of the pan. Crumble the beef with your spoon or spatula as it cooks alongside those softening onions. In about 5 to 6 minutes, you’ll notice the meat browning and the onions turning translucent and sweet. If you spot extra grease, feel free to drain it off for a lighter meal.
Step 3: Garlic and Spices Galore
Next, add your minced garlic to the pan. Let it sizzle for about a minute, letting that deep, inviting aroma fill your kitchen. Now comes the magic: sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so each bite of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe will be loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa, stirring to distribute it evenly. Lower the heat and cover the skillet, letting everything gently bubble together for 5 to 7 more minutes. The potatoes soak up the sauce and spices, while the beef becomes extra tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and deeply flavorful.
Step 5: Cheesy Finish
Sprinkle the cheddar or Mexican blend cheese all over, pop the lid back on, and give it 1 to 2 minutes for the cheese to melt into dreamy, gooey perfection. Remove from heat, top with plenty of chopped cilantro, and serve your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe hot with lime wedges for squeezing over the top!
How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make this dish shine! A handful of fresh cilantro brings vibrant color and a fresh, lightly citrusy lift. Squeeze lime wedges right at the table for lively acidity. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream for a little extra flair and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is a meal on its own, but pairing it with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad really rounds out the plate. For something more indulgent, some chunky guacamole or creamy avocado slices on the side will wow your crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Spoon the skillet mixture into small tortillas for mini tacos or stuff it into halved bell peppers, then top with more cheese and bake until bubbly. If you’re hosting a party, serve it as a hearty filling in a taco bar with plenty of fixings to let everyone build their own plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe, lucky you! Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then pack them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days, making for a seriously satisfying lunch or quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, this recipe freezes like a dream. Pack cooled skillet portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual servings until piping hot. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheese and cilantro after reheating gives those stored portions a fresh-from-the-pan vibe.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Either ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this skillet recipe. Just be aware that leaner meats may need a drizzle more olive oil for moisture, and you might want to add a pinch more of the spices for bold flavor.
I don’t have russet potatoes. Can I use another kind?
Yes, you can make this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe with Yukon golds or even red potatoes. Just dice them small so they cook through evenly — the result will still be deliciously satisfying.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, it’s mild and family-friendly. To turn up the heat, try using a spicy salsa, add a bit of cayenne, or toss in some diced jalapeños with the onions.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Extra veggies like corn, bell pepper, black beans, or zucchini make wonderful additions and bulk up the meal (plus, they add even more color and nutrition to the skillet).
How can I make this dairy-free?
Easy — simply skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. All of the other flavors will remain just as bold and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a fresh, crowd-pleasing dinner idea, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe will absolutely steal the show at your table. It’s comforting, quick, and incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own and enjoy every single bite!
Print
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet recipe is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook until they begin to soften and brown.
- Cook beef and onion: Add ground beef and onion to the skillet, cooking until beef is browned and onion is soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in potatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce or salsa, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and cook until melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding corn, black beans, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Serve with warm tortillas, sour cream, or avocado on the side for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
