Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food! The crispy potatoes are perfectly complemented by the savory ground beef and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice bring the dish together with a burst of freshness and flavor.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize it to your taste by adding more vegetables, like zucchini or corn, or by spicing it up with jalapeños for extra heat. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or paired with rice or tortillas, this skillet is a quick and satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Stir in the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).

4. Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to low, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt (about 3 minutes).

5. Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

6. Serve hot with a side of rice or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a versatile, hearty, and comforting dish that perfectly balances the savory flavors of ground beef and crispy potatoes. It’s an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner that’s sure to satisfy the entire family. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers a wonderful blend of textures. Whether you’re cooking for a busy night at home or preparing for a casual get-together, this dish is sure to please.

Origins of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients, including chiles, cilantro, lime, and garlic. The Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a modern take on traditional Mexican cooking, featuring simple ingredients that are staples in many households. While not a dish with a deep, ancient history, it’s inspired by common Mexican comfort foods like tacos, burritos, and picadillo (a ground beef and potato dish). The combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese in a skillet mimics the layering and flavor profiles that are common in Mexican cooking, offering a satisfying meal that’s also incredibly filling.

The use of ground beef, potatoes, and spices is also heavily influenced by other Latin American and Tex-Mex flavors, making it a popular dish in both Mexico and the southern United States. What makes this skillet dish unique is its versatility, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your preferences. You can add more heat with jalapeños or toss in some extra vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or tomatoes. The sky’s the limit!

Reasons to Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to love the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet, but perhaps the most compelling is how easy it is to make. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity  everything is cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash and less time spent in the kitchen. The recipe also doesn’t require any special ingredients, so it’s easy to make on short notice with items you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.

1. Convenience: It’s a one-pan meal, which means less mess and a quicker cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish is stress-free and convenient.
2. Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese is deliciously comforting. The cilantro and lime garnish add a zesty freshness that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.
3. Customizable: You can easily make this dish your own by adjusting the level of spiciness or adding in other vegetables. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients to cater to your taste preferences.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: This skillet dish is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be easily reheated, making it a great option for lunch or dinner during a busy week.

Health Benefits of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

While comfort food is often associated with being indulgent, this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet strikes a balance between flavor and nutrition. Here’s how the ingredients contribute to a healthier meal:

1. Ground Beef: Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also provides important nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Opting for lean ground beef or turkey can help reduce the fat content while still delivering the benefits of this protein-packed ingredient.
2. Potatoes: Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They provide energy and help regulate blood sugar levels. Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, they offer a variety of health benefits that can support heart health, immune function, and brain health.
3. Cilantro and Lime: Fresh cilantro and lime juice are excellent sources of antioxidants and vitamins. Cilantro is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while lime juice provides vitamin C, which boosts immunity and skin health.
4. Cheddar Cheese: While cheese is often considered indulgent, it also provides a good amount of calcium and protein. Using a moderate amount of cheese helps satisfy the craving for something creamy without overloading on calories.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but there are a few ways to elevate the meal and serve it alongside complementary dishes:

• Rice: Serve your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with a side of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will help absorb the flavorful juices from the skillet and add a bit of texture to the meal.
• Tortillas: Warm flour or corn tortillas are perfect for scooping up the skillet’s ingredients or wrapping around the mixture for a taco-style meal.
• Fresh Salad: A fresh salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the skillet. It also adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Guacamole or Salsa: Adding a dollop of homemade guacamole or a spoonful of fresh salsa on the side will enhance the Mexican flavors and bring extra freshness to the meal.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making the Skillet

Even though the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is relatively easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for that can affect the final result:

1. Not Cooking the Potatoes Long Enough: The potatoes need to cook long enough to become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Be sure to give them ample time in the skillet before adding the other ingredients to ensure they cook properly.
2. Overcrowding the Skillet: If your skillet is too crowded, the ingredients may not cook evenly. For best results, use a large enough skillet to allow the potatoes and beef to cook in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches if necessary.
3. Using Too Much Oil: While the oil is essential for cooking the potatoes and beef, be careful not to add too much. Excess oil can make the dish greasy and overly heavy. A tablespoon of oil should be sufficient for the entire skillet.
4. Skipping the Garnish: The final touch of fresh cilantro and lime juice is crucial for adding brightness and flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step, as it makes a big difference in balancing out the richness of the beef and potatoes.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet, you may enjoy these similar recipes:

• Picadillo: A traditional Mexican dish made with ground beef, potatoes, raisins, olives, and spices, offering a unique sweet and savory flavor.
• Beef and Potato Tacos: A more portable version of this skillet, with seasoned ground beef and potatoes wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with fresh salsa and avocado.
• Chili Con Carne: A hearty stew made with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, spiced with chili powder and cumin. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a satisfying meal.

Conclusion

The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that works for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a casual meal for friends, this skillet is sure to be a hit. With its blend of savory beef, crispy potatoes, and zesty cilantro and lime, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. The best part? It’s customizable to suit your taste, so you can make it as mild or spicy as you prefer. So next time you’re in the mood for a delicious, one-pan meal, give this skillet recipe a try  it might just become your new favorite!