Disgustingly Easy Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Name: Disgustingly Easy Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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; 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

by Jannet Lisa

2 de July de 2025

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Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? You’re staring into the fridge, wondering what in the world you can whip up that’s actually *tasty* and doesn’t take, like, forever. I totally get it! That’s why I’m SO excited to share this **Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet** recipe. Seriously, this is my go-to when time is tight, but I’m craving something with a kick.

The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder! Less dishes? Yes, please! My family practically inhales this stuff. Even my picky eater, Liam, asks for seconds (and that’s saying something!). It’s become a regular in our dinner rotation. And honestly, I’m not mad about it! It is so easy to customize, too. We love adding a little extra cheese or some sour cream to make it even better. So, if you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and fuss-free meal, this **Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet** is your new best friend. Trust me!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Quick and easy one-pan meal – cleanup is a breeze!
Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but big on cravings.
Packed with flavor – all those spices just sing together!
Family-friendly and satisfying, even the pickiest eaters will gobble it up.
Budget-friendly – uses simple, affordable ingredients. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

2 tablespoons avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil – olive oil works great too!)
1 pound potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (I like Yukon Golds, but Russets are fine!)
1 pound lean ground beef (ground turkey or chicken works too, if that’s your thing!)
1/2 cup diced yellow onion (about half a medium onion)
1 red bell pepper, diced (adds a nice sweetness!)
Kosher salt to taste (I usually start with about 1 teaspoon)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste (a few good grinds!)
4 ounces diced green chiles (from a can, mild or hot, your choice!)
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder (this is where the magic happens!)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (for that authentic Mexican flavor)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a little smokiness that’s just *chef’s kiss*)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (fresh is best!)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend – go wild!)

How to Prepare Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Okay, let’s get this show on the road! Grab your biggest skillet (cast iron is awesome if you have one!) and heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering (that means it’s hot enough!), go ahead and reduce the heat to medium. We don’t want to burn anything!
Step 2: Now, toss in those cubed potatoes! Make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Cook ’em, stirring pretty often, until they’re golden brown and starting to get tender. This usually takes about 6 minutes. You want them to get a little color on them, it adds so much flavor!
Step 3: Alright, push those potatoes over to one side of the skillet. We need to make room for the star of the show: the ground beef!
Step 4: Add the ground beef to the now-empty side of the skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Then, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! I usually add about a teaspoon of salt, but you do you!
Step 5: Cook everything, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you drain off any excess grease – nobody wants a greasy skillet!
Step 6: Time for some serious flavor! Add the diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cilantro to the skillet. Mmm, can you smell that?
Step 7: Stir everything together really well so all those yummy spices coat the beef and potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are totally tender and the beef is cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Step 8: Give it a taste! Does it need more salt? Maybe a little more chili powder for a kick? Now’s the time to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 9: Sprinkle that shredded cheese all over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet (if you have a lid) and cook for another minute or so, until the cheese is melted and gooey. Ooh, yeah!
Step 10: Last but not least, garnish with a little extra chopped cilantro, if you want to get fancy. Serve it hot and enjoy every single bite! You did it!

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Trust me on this one: Yukon gold potatoes are the way to go! They get SO creamy when they cook up in the skillet. Russets work in a pinch, but Yukon Golds are my fave.
Don’t try to cram everything into the skillet at once! If your skillet is getting crowded, cook the potatoes in batches. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and you’ll end up with steamed, not browned, potatoes. Bleh!
Spice it up (or not!). The chili powder gives it that classic Mexican flavor, but feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. If you’re a spice fiend, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some extra diced green chiles!
Want even *more* flavor? Toss in a can of diced tomatoes (drained) along with the spices. Adds a nice little tang!
Don’t forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a spoonful of salsa, and a scoop of guacamole take this skillet to the next level. Seriously, don’t skip the toppings!

Variations on Your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Wanna bulk it up? Throw in a can of black beans or some frozen corn along with the spices. Adds extra veggies and flavor – win-win!
Cheese, please! Cheddar’s classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack would be amazing in this. Heck, even a little crumbled queso fresco would be delish! Use whatever you’ve got!
Feeling fiery? Dice up a jalapeño and toss it in with the onions and peppers. Or, for an easier kick, add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. Careful, it’s addictive!
Not a beef person? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it through completely.
For a creamier, tangier twist, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving. It cools down the spice and adds a lovely richness. Yum!

Serving Suggestions for Your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing skillet all cooked up…now what? Well, it’s delicious all on its own, trust me! But if you wanna make it a *real* meal, here are a few ideas. How about a side of fluffy rice and flavorful beans? Or load it up with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guac – can’t go wrong there! You could even stuff it into warm tortillas for some seriously yummy tacos. A simple side salad adds a bit of freshness too. And don’t forget a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime – perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this recipe:

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that’s really delicious. Just keep an eye on them, as they tend to cook a little faster than regular potatoes.
Can I make this Mexican Beef and Potato Skillet ahead of time? You sure can! Cook it completely, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. It’s a total lifesaver for meal prepping!
How do I store leftovers of this Spicy Ground Beef and Potato Hash? Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat ’em in a skillet or microwave. They’re just as yummy the next day (or even for breakfast – don’t judge!).
Is this Tex-Mex Potato and Beef Skillet gluten-free? Yep! As long as you’re using gluten-free chili powder and cheese, this skillet is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your labels, though, just to be sure!
Can I freeze this Ground Beef Taco Skillet with Potatoes? You can, but the texture of the potatoes might change a bit. They can get a little mushy when thawed. If you’re okay with that, then go for it! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet - detail 2

Nutritional Information for Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutrition facts, right? Here’s the lowdown. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and they can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (like the type of cheese or the leanness of your ground beef). But here’s a general idea:

Serving Size: 1 serving (and it’s a pretty generous serving, I might add!)
Calories: 375kcal (not too shabby for a meal this tasty!)
Sugar: 3g (mostly from the veggies!)
Sodium: 306mg (you can always reduce this by using low-sodium beef broth or seasoning lightly)
Fat: 16g (from the beef and the oil – healthy fats, mostly!)
Saturated Fat: 5g (try using leaner ground beef to keep this number lower)
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g (thanks to the potatoes – our energy source!)
Fiber: 5g (yay for veggies! Fiber keeps you full and happy)
Protein: 31g (hello, muscle-building goodness from the beef!)
Cholesterol: 81mg

Enjoy Your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet!

Alright, you did it! You’ve got a delicious, easy **Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet** ready to devour. I really hope you love it as much as my family does! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you’re feeling social, snap a pic and share it on Instagram – tag me so I can see your masterpiece! Happy cooking!