Mexican ground beef potato has become my go-to weeknight meal for so many reasons. I remember the first time I tried making it myself, hoping to capture that cozy feeling of comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The sizzle of the beef, the earthy aroma of the spices, and the tender potatoes all came together to create something truly magical. This easy Mexican ground beef potato dinner is perfect for busy nights when you crave something satisfying and packed with flavor. It’s simple, delicious, and always a hit! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Ground Beef Potato
This dish is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible flavor explosion that satisfies your Mexican food cravings.
- Super quick prep and cook time, making it an easy Mexican ground beef potato dinner.
- Packed with protein and fiber for a more balanced meal.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- A crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will devour.
- It’s a fantastic ground beef and potato skillet Mexican style that comes together in one pan.
- You’ll love the versatility of this ground beef and potato skillet Mexican style for leftovers or variations.
Ingredients for Mexican Ground Beef Potato
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward making this amazing Mexican ground beef potato dish. You’ll need a pound of good quality ground beef, about 90/10 lean to fat ratio for the best flavor. For the potatoes, grab about a pound of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces; these cook up nice and tender. Don’t forget one medium yellow onion, finely chopped, and a couple of cloves of garlic, minced – they build the aromatic base. We’ll also use a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained, for that essential Tex-Mex kick that makes this dish so special. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for sautéing. For seasoning, we have 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. These spices, combined with the tomatoes, give it that authentic Mexican spiced ground beef potato hash flavor profile.
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef Potato
Let’s get this delicious meal going! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this flavorful dish. Follow along to see exactly how to make Mexican ground beef potatoes that your whole family will adore.
- Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, ready to sizzle.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s beautifully browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease – we want flavor, not a greasy mess!
- Step 3: Toss in 1 chopped onion and cook it with the beef for about 5 minutes, until it starts to soften and become fragrant.
- Step 4: Now for the flavor boost! Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let this cook for just about 1 minute until you can really smell those wonderful spices releasing their aroma. This step is key to how to make Mexican ground beef potatoes so tasty.
- Step 5: Add 1 pound diced potatoes and 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained. The undrained tomatoes add liquid and flavor, which is essential for cooking the potatoes.
- Step 6: Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious ingredients. Make sure the potatoes and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Step 7: Cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to make sure nothing sticks and the potatoes cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re nice and tender when pierced with a fork. This simmering process is crucial for how to make Mexican ground beef potatoes tender and flavorful.
- Step 8: Serve your amazing Mexican ground beef potato hot right out of the skillet. It’s the perfect one pan Mexican ground beef potato meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Ground Beef Potato
Want to elevate your Mexican ground beef potato game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.
- For an authentic Mexican ground beef potato experience, don’t skip browning the beef well. This builds a deep flavor base.
- Ensure your diced potatoes are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This avoids some being mushy and others still firm.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the onions for an extra kick.
- Letting the dish rest for about 5 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
What’s the secret to perfect Mexican Ground Beef Potato?
The real secret to a perfect Mexican ground beef potato dish lies in building layers of flavor. Browning the ground beef properly and sautéing the aromatics like onion and garlic until fragrant are crucial first steps. This creates a rich foundation for the authentic Mexican ground beef potato taste. For more on building flavor, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.
Can I make Mexican Ground Beef Potato ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can prepare this Mexican ground beef potato dish ahead of time! You can chop all your vegetables and measure out your spices the day before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembly on cooking day a breeze! You might also find our tips on sloppy joe bowls helpful for meal prep.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mexican Ground Beef Potato?
A common pitfall is overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef, which causes it to steam instead of brown. Also, make sure your potatoes are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking. Finally, don’t cover the skillet too early; let the beef and onions sauté for a bit first. Learning proper cooking techniques can help avoid these issues, much like mastering italian herbs and cheese bread.
Best Ways to Serve Mexican Ground Beef Potato
This versatile meal is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines with a few simple additions. For a satisfying ground beef potato Mexican skillet dinner, I love serving it with a side of fluffy rice to soak up any extra juices. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced flavors.
You can also spoon this delicious mixture into warm tortillas for amazing ground beef potato tacos Mexican flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping it with shredded cheddar cheese and broiling it for a minute or two until melted and bubbly – pure comfort food! Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can also brighten up the whole dish. For more ideas on delicious sides, explore our corn salad with lime.
Nutrition Facts for Mexican Ground Beef Potato
This easy Mexican ground beef potato dinner is surprisingly balanced! Here’s a look at what you can expect per serving, based on the recipe’s yield of four servings:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Mexican ground beef potato dish. For other healthy options, consider our air fryer apples.
How to Store and Reheat Mexican Ground Beef Potato
Got delicious leftovers of this Mexican ground beef potato? Lucky you! Proper storage is key to enjoying this dish later. Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer the Mexican ground beef potato bake into airtight containers. It should stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this Mexican ground beef potato recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last for up to 3 months. This makes for some really convenient future meals!
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few easy ways. For a quick fix, you can microwave individual portions directly from the fridge or freezer (just make sure it’s thawed first). If you have a bit more time, reheating it gently in a skillet over low heat is fantastic, especially if you want to crisp up the potatoes slightly. You can also place it in a baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Enjoy your delicious Mexican ground beef potato bake again! For more one-pan wonders, check out our one pot cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Ground Beef Potato
What are Mexican ground beef potato bowls?
Mexican ground beef potato bowls are essentially this dish served in a bowl, often with added toppings like cheese, sour cream, salsa, or avocado. They transform the skillet meal into a convenient and customizable single-serving experience, making it easy to enjoy all the delicious flavors together.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are a wonderful alternative and add a slightly different, delicious flavor profile. They also contribute additional vitamins and fiber. Just make sure to dice them to a similar size as regular potatoes for even cooking in your Mexican ground beef potato dish. Our sausage and sweet potatoes recipe is another great way to enjoy them.
What other vegetables can I add to this Mexican ground beef potato recipe?
You can easily boost the veggie content! Consider adding a cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen), diced bell peppers (any color), or even some black beans towards the end of the cooking time. These additions make for a more robust and colorful Mexican ground beef potato meal.
How do I make this Mexican ground beef potato recipe spicier?
To kick up the heat, try adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion, or a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when you add the other spices. The diced tomatoes with green chilies already provide a mild heat, so adjust based on your personal preference for a truly spicy ground beef potato skillet Mexican style.
Variations of Mexican Ground Beef Potato You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic Mexican ground beef potato skillet, you’ll love experimenting with different twists! It’s so adaptable. For a heartier meal, try transforming it into a spicy ground beef potato casserole Mexican style. Simply transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar work great!), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This makes for a fantastic Mexican ground beef potato bake. For another casserole idea, check out our jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving this mixture over a bed of lettuce or greens for a flavorful Mexican ground beef potato salad. You could also add black beans and corn to the mix for a more robust flavor profile. For those who love a bit more heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some diced jalapeños can easily elevate this dish into a truly fiery Mexican ground beef potato experience!
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Mexican Ground Beef Potato: 1 Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and flavorful Mexican ground beef potato recipe perfect for a quick dinner. This dish combines seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes, offering a taste of Mexican cuisine in a convenient skillet meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot as a delicious Mexican ground beef potato skillet dinner.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro before serving.
- This Mexican ground beef potato recipe is also great served over rice or in tortillas for Mexican ground beef potato tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Mexican ground beef potato, Mexican ground beef and potato recipe, Ground beef and potato skillet Mexican style, Easy Mexican ground beef potato dinner, Mexican spiced ground beef potato hash, Mexican ground beef potato bowls
