Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

A few years ago, when I first started cooking for myself, I remember standing in my tiny kitchen with zero clue about what pan to use, how long to cook potatoes, or even how to season ground beef. One night, desperate for something comforting and filling, I tossed together whatever I had Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet and somehow, magic happened in that skillet. What started as a humble experiment became my go-to “I need dinner fast” solution. This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is an upgraded version of that first success.

Perfect for beginner cooks, this easy sheet pan dinner doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers flavor, comfort, and nourishment—all in under 40 minutes. Plus, it’s endlessly flexible and great for meal prep. Whether you’re a student, a busy parent, or just new to the kitchen, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet wait, scratch that—this beefy skillet is your perfect entry into quick and healthy meals.

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes this skillet dinner stand out is its bold Mexican-inspired seasoning, the rich texture of tender potatoes mixed with juicy ground beef, and the ease of throwing everything into one pan. It’s a dish that tastes like you put in a ton of effort, even though it’s ready in less than an hour. You can also tweak the vegetables, spice level, and cheese based on what you have at home, making it highly customizable.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ground Beef
Adds a savory, rich base to the dish. Leaner ground beef (90/10) works best to avoid excess grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well, perfect for a skillet dish. They absorb the spices and juices beautifully. Sweet potatoes can be used as a nutritious twist.

Red Bell Pepper
Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color. Feel free to swap with green bell pepper, zucchini, or corn depending on what’s available.

Onion
Provides a subtle bite and enhances overall flavor. Yellow or white onions both work great.

Diced Green Chiles
Adds mild heat and a tangy depth. Choose mild for a kid-friendly version or spicy for a bold kick.

Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder
This spice mix creates a smoky, earthy, and robust flavor profile essential to Mexican dishes.

Fresh Cilantro
Brightens up the dish with its citrusy aroma. If you’re not a fan, just skip it or substitute with parsley.

Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
Melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess and flavor. Freshly grated cheese is best for smooth melting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in your cooking oil. Once hot, add diced potatoes and sauté them for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown but are still a little firm.

Step 2 Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the empty space. Break it apart with a spatula and let it cook until no longer pink.

Step 3 Add in diced onion and red bell pepper, stirring them into the ground beef. Season everything with salt and black pepper and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4 Stir in the green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro. Mix well so that the seasoning coats all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5 Continue cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is fully cooked, about 6–8 more minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 6 Sprinkle cheese over the top, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large skillet—12 inches if possible—so everything cooks evenly and browns nicely rather than steams.
• Uniform Potato Cuts: Dice your potatoes into similar sizes (½ inch) for even cooking.
• No Pre-Shredded Cheese: Grating your own cheese results in better melting and flavor since packaged shredded cheese has anti-caking agents.
• Too Much Browning? If your beef or potatoes are browning too quickly, lower the heat and stir more frequently.
• No Green Chiles? You can use a splash of salsa or even a spoonful of enchilada sauce as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

• On Its Own: This skillet is hearty enough to serve solo as a complete meal.
• With Sides: Pair with avocado corn salad, black bean salsa, or a simple green salad for a balanced plate.
• As a Filling: Use leftovers to make tacos, burritos, or breakfast wraps with scrambled eggs.
• Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Not freezer-friendly due to potato texture changes.

Conclusion

This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the definition of beginner-friendly cooking—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this quick and healthy meal deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Try it out, put your own spin on it, and don’t forget to share your results or ask questions in the comments. Happy cooking!

FAQ About Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

More Relevant Recipes

• Ground Beef Wellingtons
• Ground Beef with Potatoes
• Healthy Ground Beef And Broccoli Fried Quinoa Recipe

Print