Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal that combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and vibrant vegetables with a smoky blend of spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors and melted cheese on top.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 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
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 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
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 bottom evenly and reduce heat to medium. Add the cubed potatoes and cook, 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, breaking it up 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, until the beef is cooked 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 firm potatoes that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
- For a spicier dish, add extra diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
