This Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder! With tasty beef, tender potatoes, and a kick of spices, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Cooking it all together means less mess, which I love. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a dish that’s hearty and comforting? You might just find yourself going back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well too. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or black beans as your protein substitute!
Potatoes: I prefer russets for their fluffy texture, but any waxy potato like Yukon Gold will do. If you’re in a pinch, frozen diced potatoes save time, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin add depth. You can swap chili powder for taco seasoning or smoked paprika for regular paprika if you need to. Don’t be shy—adjust the spices to your taste for more kick!
Cheese: Cheddar is fantastic, but if you want a creamier texture, try Monterey Jack or even a Mexican cheese blend. If dairy-free is your goal, there are great vegan cheese options available.
How Do I Cook Potatoes Perfectly in a Skillet?
Cooking potatoes in the skillet can be tricky, but it’s quite simple if you follow these steps. The goal is to get them tender and golden without burning. Start by cutting them into small cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the oil in the skillet before adding the potatoes and onions. This helps start the browning process.
- Stir them occasionally to avoid sticking, and keep an eye on the heat. Medium heat usually works best.
- If they seem to cook too quickly or are browning too much, lower the heat.
- Add a splash of water or broth, cover the pan, and let them steam for a few minutes if they’re taking longer than expected.
This technique helps you get perfectly tender potatoes every time!
How to Make Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Sour cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet dish takes about 30 minutes total to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes prepping your ingredients and cooking the potatoes, and then another 15-18 minutes combining everything in the skillet. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes and Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and onion to the skillet. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the onion is translucent. This time allows the potatoes to get just crispy while cooking through.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the cooked potatoes and onions. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook the beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat after cooking, drain it out of the skillet.
3. Add Veggies and Seasoning:
Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens a bit. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to coat the meat and veggies evenly with the spices. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Now it’s time to add that delicious cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover it with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to low, and let everything sit for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness. To serve, dish out portions of the skillet topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of diced red bell pepper and additional cilantro for garnish.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet! It’s perfect for sharing and sure to please everyone at the table.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a lovely sweetness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster than regular potatoes. Cut them into small cubes for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work great for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat. Just make sure to adjust the spices accordingly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes along with the spices. You can also use a spicier chili powder or hot sauce to amp up the flavor!
