Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot skillet dish filled with savory ground beef, tender golden potatoes, and colorful bell peppers all smothered in melted cheddar cheese. This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet delivers that and more, with bold spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder adding layers of flavor in every bite. It’s a complete meal made with humble ingredients, yet the final result is vibrant, filling, and deeply satisfying.

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have time to fuss with multiple dishes. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup easy, and the combination of protein, veggies, and carbs makes it a balanced meal all on its own. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet is a hearty crowd-pleaser that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced small

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• ⅓ cup low-sodium beef broth

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then the diced potatoes. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.

2. Move potatoes to the edges of the skillet and add ground beef in the center. Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.

4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

5. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, mix everything well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fully tender.

6. Remove lid and sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover again for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.

7. Garnish with fresh cilantro if using. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty, comforting, and satisfying dish that brings together bold flavors, vibrant ingredients, and the ease of one-skillet cooking. Inspired by the traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine, this meal is rich in spices and balanced with the mild sweetness of sautéed onions and the creaminess of cheddar cheese. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you crave something comforting but don’t want to compromise on flavor or spend hours in the kitchen.

This skillet meal is more than just convenience; it’s a celebration of texture, spice, and wholesome ingredients. The crispy edges of the diced potatoes pair beautifully with seasoned ground beef, and every bite is infused with the earthy warmth of cumin, paprika, and chili. Whether you serve it straight from the skillet or pair it with warm tortillas, salsa, or avocado, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.

What Makes This Skillet Meal Special

This recipe stands out not just for its simplicity, but for its depth of flavor. Each component is thoughtfully layered to build a satisfying, rich dish that feels far more indulgent than it actually is. It combines:

• Protein: Lean ground beef provides a hearty base with excellent satiety.
• Carbs: Yukon gold potatoes, known for their buttery texture, bulk up the dish and soak up all the flavorful juices.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions add a pop of sweetness and color, enhancing the nutritional value and flavor.
• Spices: A mix of Mexican spices creates a bold taste profile without needing additional sauces or seasonings.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese ties everything together with a creamy, gooey finish.

The end result is an elevated comfort meal with just the right balance of protein, carbs, and fat—without overwhelming the palate or taking too long to cook.

Why It’s the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

The biggest appeal of this dish is its one-skillet convenience. With minimal prep, just a single pan, and no need for fancy ingredients or equipment, it’s a practical and approachable recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. It saves time on cleanup and streamlines your cooking process without sacrificing flavor.

Because it’s so adaptable, it also suits different dietary preferences and household tastes. You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives, or add more veggies like zucchini, corn, or black beans to stretch the recipe further.

Mexican-Inspired Flavors That Shine

The bold, smoky flavors in this dish are signature to Mexican cooking. Ingredients like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder bring out deep umami tones that complement the richness of the beef. Tomato sauce and broth help to create a light yet flavorful sauce that coats every bite, infusing even the humble potato with zest and spice.

Adding cheese at the end especially sharp cheddar contributes a melty, luxurious texture that elevates the skillet from simple to memorable. You can garnish it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or sliced jalapeños for extra flair and heat.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best features of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is how easy it is to adapt. If you’re looking to change things up, try one of these variations:

• Add beans: Stir in a can of black or pinto beans for extra fiber and protein.
• Spicy version: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetable boost: Mix in chopped spinach, corn, or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Taco-style: Use the filling inside tortillas or taco shells for a hand-held meal.
• Low-carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version.

You can even top the finished dish with a fried egg for a brunch twist or turn leftovers into a filling for burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is extremely versatile when it comes to presentation. Serve it straight from the skillet with a generous sprinkling of cheese and herbs, or pair it with a few simple sides:

• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime wedges
• Mexican rice or quinoa
• A crisp green salad with cilantro-lime dressing

The balance of flavors makes it enjoyable on its own, but it’s even better when complemented with cool, creamy, or tangy accompaniments.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

This recipe is ideal for meal prepping because it holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave, and you’ll still have a flavorful, satisfying meal ready in minutes.

It also freezes well. Simply cool the dish completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Why Families Love It

Families love this dish for several reasons:

• Kid-friendly: It has familiar flavors and textures without being too spicy.
• Budget-conscious: It uses everyday pantry staples and stretches well across multiple servings.
• Quick and easy: From start to finish, it’s on the table in under 40 minutes.
• Filling and hearty: With potatoes, beef, and cheese, it satisfies even the biggest appetites.

Whether you’re feeding kids, teens, or adults, this dish checks all the boxes for a comforting, affordable, and delicious meal.

Nutritional Benefits

While this meal feels indulgent thanks to the cheese and rich beef flavor, it’s surprisingly balanced:

• Lean protein helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
• Potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbs.
• Bell peppers and onions add fiber, antioxidants, and vibrant nutrients.
• Homemade spice mix avoids the sodium and additives found in store-bought packets.

For a lighter version, you can reduce the cheese, use leaner ground meat, and swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or another vegetable.

Conclusion

The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is more than just another weeknight recipe it’s a warm, comforting hug in a pan. With vibrant Mexican spices, a medley of textures, and melty cheese, it delivers big flavor without a complicated process. It’s highly adaptable, making it a staple that can be customized to fit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs.

Perfect for busy families, solo diners, or anyone looking for a one-pan meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, this skillet dish earns its place in your regular rotation. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the stove or as a make-ahead meal, it brings the heart of Mexican comfort food right to your dinner table without the hassle.

Let it be your go-to meal when you want something quick, comforting, and unforgettable.