This hearty Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder! Packed with ground beef, tasty potatoes, and zesty spices, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.
The best part? It all cooks together, saving you time on cleanup. I love serving this with a sprinkle of cheese on top—yum! You’ll feel like a cooking superstar!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. You can use lean ground beef for less fat. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work great too. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or black beans.
Potatoes: Yellow potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but you can substitute with russet or red potatoes. Sweet potatoes can be a tasty twist too, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish.
Bell Pepper and Onion: Red bell pepper adds color and sweetness, while onion provides depth. Feel free to swap in green pepper or even a poblano for more heat. Using shallots can give a milder onion flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is great for melting, but you can use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or pepper jack if you want extra spice. Dairy-free cheese is also an option for a dairy-free version.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are essential for that Southwest flavor. If you’re out of chili powder, used packaged taco seasoning. Adjust cayenne to fit your spice tolerance!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
Cooking the potatoes just right is key to making this dish satisfying. You want them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Here’s how:
- Cut the potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Heat your oil before adding the potatoes—this helps them crisp up.
- Cook on medium heat and stir occasionally. This ensures they don’t stick and gives an even golden color.
- If you cover the skillet briefly, it helps them cook through faster while browning them nicely.
By following these steps, you’ll have delicious, perfectly cooked potatoes as the base for your skillet dish!
Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar blend)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Sour cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet (a cast iron skillet works great) over medium heat. Add your diced potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and lovely. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it smells fantastic!
3. Browning the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Mixing in the Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like heat), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices.
5. Combining Everything:
Return those beautiful potatoes back to the skillet. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a little something extra!
6. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve hot, and if you like, add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess!
This colorful Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is such a flavorful delight that everyone will love. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. They will work just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful that they may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Yellow Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute yellow potatoes with russet or red potatoes. Sweet potatoes can also be a delicious alternative that adds a hint of sweetness to the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this a vegetarian dish, replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and you will still enjoy a delicious skillet meal!