Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a dish that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Imagine a skillet bubbling with savory ground beef and tender potatoes, enveloped in vibrant spices. This recipe never fails to create a hearty meal that feels both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for just yourself or gathering a crowd, it’s a winner every time.

The beauty of this skillet dish lies in its simplicity. You can whip it up quickly on a busy weeknight, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to using just one pan. Plus, the flavors meld together nicely, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. It’s one of those meals that can easily become a family favorite, so let’s get started on making this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet—a dish that promises to deliver both flavor and ease!

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of ground beef and potatoes makes for a truly hearty meal, perfect for any occasion. Just picture this: you sit down at the table, and you’re greeted by a warm, inviting skillet that’s filled with all the good stuff. The ground beef offers a rich, meaty flavor, while the potatoes provide a comforting and filling texture. Together, they create a dish that’s satisfying and full of heart.

Moreover, using a single skillet means minimal fuss when it comes to cleanup. You can layer different ingredients in the same pan, allowing all those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully. It’s cooking made easy without compromising on taste or presentation!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is not just about flavor; it’s also super quick to prepare. If you’re someone who loves to spend less time in the kitchen but still wants to serve up something delicious, you’re in luck! This recipe is designed for those busy nights when you need a meal ready in no time.

What’s more, you can make it your own! Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or sides. Whether it’s adding a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even some avocado slices, the options are endless. It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Everyone will likely fight over the last scoop!

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering skillet meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 pound potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (approximately 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt)
• 4 ounces diced green chiles
• 2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

The Cooking Method

Heat the Oil

First things first, grab a large skillet and heat up the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Give it a little swirl to coat the pan evenly. Once it’s nice and hot, reduce the heat to medium.

Cook the Potatoes

Now, toss those cubed potatoes into the skillet. You’ll want to cook them for about 6 minutes, stirring often. Wait until they turn golden and start to get tender. The aroma will already be inviting you to dig in!

Add Ground Beef and Vegetables

Next, push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the lean ground beef to the empty side. Crumble the beef with a spatula as it cooks, and then incorporate the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Don’t forget to season it all with salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture, breaking up the beef until it’s fully browned.

Incorporate Spices and Chiles

Once the beef has turned a lovely brown color, stir in the diced green chiles along with the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. The spices add a fantastic burst of flavor that brings the dish to life!

Final Cooking

Stir everything together so the flavors combine. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. A little more salt? A kick more spice? Go for it!

Melt the Cheese

To finish it off, pile the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts beautifully. If you like, garnishing with extra cilantro adds a fresh touch!

Serving Suggestions

To serve this wonderful skillet dish, consider pairing it with warm tortillas or over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal. Fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of lime juice can elevate the dish even more. You’ll create a mouthwatering spread that everyone will appreciate!

Tips for Success

A few pointers can ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• If you like heat, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for an extra spicy kick.
• Make sure the potatoes are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking throughout.

Variations

Feel free to mix things up by swapping lean ground beef for turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. For added texture and flavor, you can even toss in some black beans or corn. The versatility of this dish means you can create a new masterpiece every time!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the meal again, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for the best results.

Pairing Ideas

Complement the flavors of this dish with a crisp green salad or some tortilla chips and salsa for a fun twist. The combinations are endless and will surely delight your guests or family!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese varieties—cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack work wonderfully.

2. How do I ensure the potatoes are cooked through?
Cutting the potatoes into smaller, uniform pieces will help them cook evenly and quickly.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can chop the ingredients the day before and store them separately in the fridge. Just cook them together when you’re ready to eat.

4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be divided into portions for your lunches throughout the week.

5. What can I use to add extra greens?
Adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking is a great way to sneak in more greens and nutrition.

This flavorful Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, it combines familiar ingredients with a delightful Mexican twist. Enjoy customizing it with your favorite toppings or side dishes and savor every comforting bite.

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