Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender golden potatoes, spiced ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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 (approx. 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 chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend recommended)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook potatoes: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, swirl the oil to coat the bottom, then reduce heat to medium and add the cubed potatoes. Stir often and cook for about 6 minutes until potatoes are turning golden and start to become tender but still firm.
- Cook ground beef and vegetables: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet, add the ground beef, and crumble it as it cooks. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook until beef is browned and vegetables are softened.
- Add chiles, spices, and cilantro: Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything well and continue cooking until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is cooked through, about 6-8 more minutes.
- Season and melt cheese: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Cover and cook for another minute or until the cheese melts. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use firm potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets for best texture.
- Lean ground beef keeps the dish less greasy but ground chuck or a blend can also be used.
- Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika to control spice level to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Serve with warm tortillas or a side of rice for a complete meal.
