This Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal packed with flavor! You’ll enjoy juicy beef mixed with tender potatoes and zesty spices that bring a kick to every bite.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick yet filling. I love serving it with cheese on top—because honestly, who can resist a little extra gooey goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes. You could also use plant-based ground meat if you’re aiming for a meatless meal.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this dish due to their fluffy texture. If you want something different, sweet potatoes can add a nice sweetness. Just keep in mind they’ll change the flavor profile a bit.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key for that Southwest flavor. If you like more heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper or use a spicy chili powder. You can also swap in taco seasoning if you have it on hand for a quick fix!
Cheese: I recommend cheddar cheese for its sharp flavor. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are great alternatives if you prefer a milder or spicier cheese, respectively. Just make sure any cheese you use melts well!
How Do I Cook the Potatoes So They’re Tender and Crispy?
Getting the potatoes just right is crucial for this dish, and it’s all about cooking them properly. Here’s how you can ensure they come out perfectly:
- Start by chopping the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Allow your skillet to get hot before adding the potatoes. This promotes browning and helps achieve that crispy outside.
- Cook the potatoes undisturbed for the first few minutes to get a nice golden color on one side, then stir occasionally.
- If the potatoes take too long to cook through, you can cover the skillet for a few minutes to steam and speed things up.
The goal is to have tender potatoes that are crisp on the outside, adding great texture to your skillet dish!
Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and satisfying option for dinner. In just under half an hour, you’ll have a warm and hearty dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced potatoes. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and have a nice golden color.
2. Adding the Vegetables:
Once the potatoes are starting to soften, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper next to the potatoes. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Incorporating the Garlic:
Now add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and aromatic. Stir everything together for a minute to combine the flavors.
4. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off at this point.
5. Spicing Things Up:
Now sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the beef and veggies are coated with those delicious spices. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
6. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture in the skillet. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the cheese melt for about 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat. Top your dish with freshly chopped cilantro and diced red bell pepper for a pop of color and crunch. Finally, serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess!
This hearty and comforting Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a delicious way to enjoy a quick dinner. The best part? You can serve it straight from the skillet for a fun, family-style meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a unique flavor. Just remember that sweet potatoes will change the overall taste of the dish a bit.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work well in this recipe. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly, especially for poultry, to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
This dish stores well! Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add more heat, consider using a spicy chili powder, adding diced jalapeños, or including a dash of cayenne pepper. Start with small amounts until you reach your desired spice level!
