Description
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of classic southwestern spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors with a melty cheese topping, all cooked together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
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 cilantro, chopped
- 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. When the oil is hot, swirl it to coat the bottom, then reduce heat to medium. Add the cubed potatoes and cook while stirring frequently for about 6 minutes, or until the potatoes are turning golden and starting to become tender but still firm.
- Add ground beef and vegetables: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the lean ground beef to the empty side and crumble it with a spatula. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper on top of the beef. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until it is mostly browned.
- Incorporate chiles, spices, and cilantro: Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is completely cooked through.
- Season and add cheese: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover or reduce heat to low and cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts.
- Serve and garnish: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro if desired. Serve the skillet dish hot, straight from the pan for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and enough space to stir without spillage.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the spices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
