Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
This hearty Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a one-pan comfort meal packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Juicy ground beef, crispy potatoes, and colorful veggies are cooked in a smoky seasoning blend and topped with melty cheese all ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 90% lean preferred
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium potatoes diced small
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro optional, for garnish
- Lime wedges optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Veggies and Seasoning:
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, corn, and all seasonings (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper).
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until veggies soften.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked potatoes and the can of diced tomatoes with chilies. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Notes
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Delicious topped with sour cream, avocado slices, or salsa.