Name: Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Jump to Recipe

This vibrant, one-pan Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is an absolute weeknight lifesaver. Imagine bites of golden potatoes mingling with juicy beef, sweet red peppers, a gentle kick of green chiles, and a swirl of melted cheese — all kissed with warm spices and fresh cilantro. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and best of all, you can get it on the table fast. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or prepping ahead for easy lunches, this skillet meal will make everyone swoon!

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is just how accessible and familiar each ingredient is, yet together they create magic! Every item adds something special, from the creamy potatoes to the savory beef and that irresistible cheese finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each piece.

Avocado oil: Provides a neutral flavor and high heat stability for perfectly browned potatoes and beef.
Potatoes: These starchy cubes soak up all those delicious spices and lend body to every bite.
Lean ground beef: Juicy and protein-packed, ground beef is the heart of this dish and delivers deep, savory flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweet, aromatic undertones that balance the boldness of the spice blend.
Red bell pepper: Bright, juicy, and slightly sweet—red pepper also brings a pop of color to the skillet!
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to boost all the naturally delicious flavors.
Diced green chiles: These canned chiles bring a gentle heat and unmistakably zesty undertone—don’t skip them!
Chili powder: The backbone of Mexican spice, chili powder adds warmth and a little smokiness.
Ground cumin: Just a bit brings out the earthiness and depth of the whole skillet.
Smoked paprika: Adds an extra layer of smoky, slightly sweet flavor that makes this dish sing.
Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous, and fresh, cilantro lifts all those rich and bold notes.
Shredded cheese: Melts into creamy perfection, tying everything together with gooey goodness!

How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes

Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, swirl it around to thoroughly coat the pan, then drop in your potato cubes. Stir them consistently so they turn golden on most sides but don’t burn. After about 6 minutes, the potatoes should be lightly browned and starting to soften, though they’ll still need more cooking to get perfect. You’re building the foundation of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet right here!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Add Veggies

Push those golden potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef into the open space. Break up the beef with your spatula and let it begin browning. Once you see most of the redness disappearing, toss in the diced onion and vibrant red bell pepper. Season everything with salt and black pepper. Continue to break the beef apart and stir—soon, the beef will be fully cooked and the veggies will turn tender-crisp.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

Here’s where the magic happens. Add the diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Stir thoroughly so the potatoes, beef, and veggies become coated in all those beautiful spices. Keep everything moving for another 6 to 8 minutes, letting the potatoes finish cooking and the flavors blend together. The skillet should smell absolutely irresistible at this point—it’s pure comfort food!

Step 4: Melt the Cheese & Serve

Now for the grand finale: Taste the mixture and adjust the salt if needed, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover for a minute or so to allow it to melt into gooey perfection. Finish with a fresh shower of cilantro if you’d like, and serve your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet while it’s still steamy and bubbling.

How to Serve Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Garnishes

For extra bursts of freshness, top your finished skillet with a handful of chopped cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or a few dollops of tangy sour cream. A few avocado slices or a squeeze of lime adds an irresistible creamy, zesty note that’s hard to beat.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough as a stand-alone meal, but it’s fabulous alongside warm flour or corn tortillas, a side of fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet also pairs beautifully with beans or a quick batch of guacamole and chips for a fun, family-style dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Spoon the skillet mixture into halved, roasted bell peppers for pretty individual servings, or stuff it into burritos and tacos for a handheld twist. It also makes a fun breakfast hash topped with a fried egg, or serve over tortilla chips with extra cheese broiled on top for a zesty take on nachos. This recipe’s versatility is half the fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, allow the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it will stay delicious for up to 4 days. This also makes it perfect for meal-prep lunches throughout the week!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the fully cooled skillet into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to press out excess air to keep everything fresh. Frozen, it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the skillet gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between rounds. If you love things extra cheesy, sprinkle a bit more cheese on top before reheating!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. The flavors of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet pair brilliantly with any of these.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Nope, that’s one of the joys of this recipe! Leaving the skins on adds flavor and keeps things rustic (plus a little boost of nutrients). Just make sure to scrub them well.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is a tried-and-true option, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese are fantastic choices for the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet. You can also use pepper jack for more heat, or try colby for extra creaminess!

How spicy is this dish with green chiles?

The diced green chiles add a gentle warmth rather than serious heat, so it’s kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing. If you’re sensitive or want zero heat, you can substitute with mild chiles or leave them out and add extra bell pepper.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a bigger skillet or a Dutch oven, and you may need to cook the potatoes and meat in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly. The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is fantastic for potlucks or game day feasts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that cozy, flavorful magic in a single pan, give Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet a spot on your table. It’s the kind of meal everyone remembers and asks for again. I can’t wait for you to taste just how good simple comfort food can be—enjoy every bite!

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 28 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, this skillet dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the avocado oil. Add the potatoes and cook until golden and tender.
Cook the beef: Push the potatoes to one side, add in the ground beef, onion, and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
Add seasonings: Mix in green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro. Cook until potatoes are tender and beef is cooked through.
Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning, top with cheese, and cook until melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.