Dinner

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

Name: Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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

ByCharlotte Montgomery November 27, 2025November 27, 2025

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Introduction

This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a flavorful, comforting one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Tender potatoes and savory ground beef are seasoned with classic Mexican spices and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying dinner option anyone will love.

The close-up image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with a colorful mix of cooked ground meat, yellow diced potatoes, and red bell pepper pieces, all topped with melted golden cheese and small green herb leaves scattered on top. A wooden spoon is partly digging into the mixture on the left side of the skillet, lifting a portion of the food. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs placed nearby, creating a fresh and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 chopped cilantro
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, swirl it to coat the bottom of the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring often, for about 6 minutes until they start to turn golden and become tender but are still firm.
Step 2: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Then add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Stir in the diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together and cook for another 6-8 minutes, until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is cooked through.
Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet and cook for about one minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different twist and added sweetness.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner protein.
For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy diced chiles.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To keep the potatoes crispy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave.