The sizzling sound of a skillet brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and full bellies. That’s exactly what you can expect from this Cheesy Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet! This delightful one-pan meal harmonizes seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and vibrant vegetables, all topped off with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for those busy weeknights, it promises quick prep and minimal cleanup, allowing you to enjoy quality time with loved ones without sacrificing flavor. This easy-to-make dish is family-friendly and can even be tailored to be gluten-free, keeping everyone’s taste buds satisfied. So, are you ready to create a meal that transforms a regular weeknight into a fiesta on a plate?

Why is this skillet a must-try?

Simplicity at Its Best: This one-pan meal takes barely any effort, making weeknight dinners a stress-free experience.

Family-Friendly Flavor: Packed with savory ground beef and hearty potatoes, it’s a dish that everyone will want to dig into.

Customizable Creativity: Whether you swap in sweet potatoes or add colorful veggies like zucchini, the possibilities are endless to keep things fresh and exciting.

Quick Cleanup: With minimal dishes to wash afterward, this skillet dish means less time cleaning and more time enjoying dinner.

Cultural Delight: Inspired by traditional Mexican flavors, this meal delivers a burst of vibrant taste that transports your family to a fiesta with every bite. You’ll love pairing it with a refreshing avocado corn salad or a zesty southwestern bean salad for a complete meal!

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Ingredients

For the Skillet
• Avocado Oil – A perfect cooking fat for sautéing; olive oil can be used as a substitute.
• Potatoes – Yukon gold, diced into 1/2 inch cubes for a creamy texture; other varieties can work if they hold their shape.
• Lean Ground Beef – The key protein; use 90/10% for less grease, or swap for ground turkey or chicken.
• Diced Yellow Onion – An aromatic base; shallots or green onions can be substitutions if preferred.
• Red Bell Pepper – Adds sweetness and vibrant color; feel free to replace it with any bell pepper variety.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings; adjust to taste, with about 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt recommended.
• Diced Green Chiles – Provides mild heat; choose hot chiles for more spice or omit if sensitivity is a concern.
• Chili Powder – This key spice adds earthy flavor; experiment with a spice blend for a unique twist.
• Ground Cumin – Introduces warm and deep notes; there are no effective substitutes, but you can reduce the quantity for a milder flavor.
• Smoked Paprika – Infuses smoky notes into the dish; you can use regular paprika if needed.
• Cilantro – A fresh garnish herb; omit if you’re not a fan, or consider using parsley instead.
• Shredded Cheese – Adds creamy goodness; choose cheddar, colby jack, or pepper jack, or go with dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free alternative.

For Serving
• Side Salad – Complement this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with a vibrant avocado corn salad or a southwestern bean salad for a delightful balance.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Heat the Oil
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to sauté. This step is crucial for achieving that golden color on your potatoes, setting the stage for a flavorful Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
Once the oil is hot, add diced Yukon gold potatoes to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the potatoes turn golden brown and start to soften. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, then reduce the heat to medium so they can cook through without burning.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
After the potatoes have taken on a lovely color, push them to one side of the skillet. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the empty side, breaking it up as it cooks. Allow it to brown for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked, ensuring that no pink remains in the meat.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, stir in 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper with the ground beef. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened. This adds an aromatic layer to your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet.

Step 5: Spice It Up
Incorporate 1 can of diced green chiles, followed by 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika into the skillet. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and release their robust flavors into the ground beef mixture.

Step 6: Combine and Cook Through
Stir everything together, ensuring the potatoes are fully integrated with the meat and veggies. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly cooked and that all ingredients are heated through, creating a deliciously unified Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of your choice of shredded cheese over the skillet ingredients. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes. Once melted and bubbly, remove from heat and get ready to serve this hearty and comforting dish filled with flavor and goodness.

How to Store and Freeze Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the skillet is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen if necessary.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the skillet on medium heat or microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent uneven heating and keep the flavors intact.

Freshness Reminder: Avoid freezing for a long time to prevent the potatoes from becoming soggy upon thawing. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet within a few days for the best experience!

Make Ahead Options

These Cheesy Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet meals are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop your vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and potatoes) and even cook the ground beef up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and veggies in a skillet, adding in the prepped potatoes and seasonings to restore flavor and warmth. Finally, top with cheese, cover until melted, and enjoy a comforting dish that feels freshly made, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Perfect Potatoes: Ensure your potato cubes are evenly sized; this helps them cook uniformly and achieve that perfect tender texture without any mushiness.

Avoid Greasiness: Choose 90/10% lean ground beef to keep your dish deliciously hearty without excess grease. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives too!

Spice Control: Adjust the level of heat by using mild or hot diced green chiles according to your family’s heat tolerance. Don’t hesitate to add some more chili powder if your taste buds crave it!

Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: For an added burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley right before serving. It elevates the entire dish beautifully!

Air-tight Storage: Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s goodness.

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Variations

Customize your Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist that adds natural sweetness.
Add Zucchini: Incorporate diced zucchini to pack in more veggies; it melds beautifully with the other flavors while keeping things bright and fresh.
Spicy Kick: Use hot diced green chiles or add sliced jalapeños for an extra punch of heat that the spice lovers in your family will appreciate.
Taco-Style Filling: Transform this skillet into a filling for tacos or burritos; simply serve in tortillas and top with your favorite salsa and avocado.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans and chickpeas for a hearty meatless option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions instead of cilantro for a different aromatic profile that suits your palate.
Cheesy Options: Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make this dish fully dairy-free while still maintaining that delicious creaminess.
Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving for a tangy touch that rounds out the dish beautifully.

Don’t forget to pair your skillet with a vibrant avocado corn salad or a zesty southwestern bean salad for a delightful meal, and consider varying the spice levels based on your family’s preference. Enjoy your culinary creativity!

What to Serve with Cheesy Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Every incredible meal deserves a companion to elevate the experience. Let’s explore some delightful side dishes and drinks that bring out the flavors of this delicious skillet dinner!

Avocado Corn Salad: A refreshing side that balances the richness of the skillet, featuring sweet corn and creamy avocado with a zesty dressing.
Southwestern Bean Salad: Filled with beans, peppers, and a tangy dressing, this salad adds a hearty yet light contrast, perfect for complementing the robust flavors of the dish.
Crispy Tortilla Chips: Enjoy with salsa or guacamole for a crunchy contrast that’s perfect for scooping and adding more Mexican flair to your dinner table.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and a hint of lime offers a light, citrusy flavor while complementing the hearty elements of the skillet.
Sliced Jalapeños: Whether pickled or fresh, these add a spicy kick to each bite and bring even more authentic Mexican flavor to the spread.
Chilled Horchata: This creamy, sweet rice drink refreshes the palate between bites and offers a delightful end to your meal with a touch of cinnamon.
Chocolate Flan Dessert: For a sweet finish, this rich, smooth dessert blends chocolate and traditional flan flavors, creating a delicious contrast to the savory skillet.
Pineapple Agua Fresca: A light, fruity drink that perfectly balances the savory nature of the meal with its sweet and tart flavors, ideal for summer nights.

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right potatoes for this skillet?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using Yukon gold potatoes as they provide a creamy texture. Diced into 1/2 inch cubes, they cook evenly and hold their shape. You can use other varieties like red potatoes, but make sure they are firm and not too starchy to avoid mushiness.

How should I store leftover Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet?
To keep your delicious skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to maintain the best quality. When ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot throughout.

Can I freeze the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet?
The short answer is yes, but with caution! If you want to freeze it, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing may cause the potatoes to become soggy upon thawing. Ideally, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh for the best experience, but if you must freeze, reheat it from frozen slowly on the stove to help retain its original flavor.

What if my ground beef is soggy or greasy after cooking?
If you find that your ground beef is greasy, try using leaner meat (90/10% or 93/7% lean ground beef works best). Drain excess fat after browning if necessary. To prevent sogginess, be sure to sauté the potatoes until they’re golden and slightly crispy before adding the beef, allowing them to absorb more flavor and maintain texture.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Very much so! This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet can easily be made gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free cheese options and ensuring that any additional ingredients, like diced green chiles or canned tomatoes, are also labeled gluten-free. Enjoy making it safe for everyone at your table!