This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and vibrant Mexican flavors. The taco seasoning adds a warm spice, while the cheese makes everything melt together into a delicious, comforting meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this skillet meal is quick, easy, and full of flavor. You can even customize it with your favorite toppings like fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to make it even more delicious!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 lb ground beef
-
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 onion, diced
-
1 bell pepper, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 packet taco seasoning
-
1 cup beef broth
-
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
-
Remove excess fat, then add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
-
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
-
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture, and add the beef broth. Stir well, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
-
Once the potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and cover again to let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When you’re short on time but still want to prepare a wholesome meal, the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the answer. With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, this dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Unlike other time-consuming meals, this recipe doesn’t require marinating or multiple cooking methods. You can prepare it in a single pan, reducing the time spent on both cooking and cleaning up.
The simplicity of this recipe also makes it versatile. It’s a great option for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a no-fuss meal. If you’re running low on time, this skillet meal can be prepared on a hectic evening when you just want something filling and delicious without the added stress. Plus, the ingredients are common pantry staples, so there’s a good chance you already have everything you need at home.
A Family-Friendly Meal That Everyone Will Love
This skillet dish is incredibly family-friendly. It’s easy to customize based on your family’s tastes and dietary preferences. Children, in particular, will love the combination of ground beef and melted cheese, making it a meal that even picky eaters will enjoy. The potatoes add a comforting texture, while the mild seasoning ensures it’s not too spicy for little ones.
For a more adult-friendly version, you can increase the spice level by adding more chili powder, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the skillet. The flexibility of the recipe makes it ideal for families with varying tastes, and you can tweak the seasonings and toppings to fit everyone’s preferences.
Customization Options for Your Skillet Dish
While the base of this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is simple, it’s easy to make it your own by adding a variety of ingredients. Here are a few ideas for customizing the recipe to fit your taste:
-
Vegetable Additions: You can throw in extra veggies like zucchini, corn, or black beans to increase the nutritional value of the dish. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture without complicating the recipe.
-
Toppings: Consider topping the skillet with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy base and give the dish an extra layer of flavor.
-
Cheese Choices: While cheddar or a Mexican blend of cheese works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheese options like pepper jack for a bit of heat or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier option.
-
Spices and Heat: If you like your food on the spicier side, feel free to experiment with chili powder, cumin, or even cayenne pepper to give the dish a kick. You can also throw in some chopped jalapeños or green chilies to spice things up.
Health Benefits of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Although this dish is hearty and comforting, it can also be made into a healthier version with a few small modifications. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, and by choosing leaner cuts or ground turkey, you can reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, you can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or corn to enhance the dish’s fiber and vitamin content.
The potatoes in this skillet are a great source of carbohydrates and fiber, making this a filling meal that can keep you satisfied for hours. You can even substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes if you’re looking to add more vitamins and minerals, as sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and antioxidants.
Making It Your Own: Vegan and Vegetarian Options
If you’re looking for a plant-based or vegetarian alternative to this dish, it’s easy to adapt the recipe. You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, tofu crumbles, or lentils to keep the protein content intact while making the dish vegetarian-friendly. For those following a vegan diet, swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative, or simply leave it out for a lighter version.
For a fully vegetarian approach, you could also replace the meat with a combination of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, along with extra vegetables. The spices in the taco seasoning will still provide a delicious, flavorful base for the dish, even without the beef.
Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal
While this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a complete meal on its own, there are plenty of delicious sides you can serve to elevate the experience. A fresh side salad with lime vinaigrette or a bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips would pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of the skillet. You could also serve it with a side of Mexican rice or warm tortillas to round out the meal and offer some additional texture.
For a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy skillet, consider serving a side of pico de gallo or a cucumber salad with cilantro and lime. These light, bright sides will balance the heaviness of the dish and provide a fresh, zesty flavor to complement the meal.
The Importance of Cooking in a Skillet
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is cooked entirely in one skillet. Not only does this make for an easy cleanup, but it also allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. The skillet cooking method ensures that each bite is packed with flavor, as the meat, vegetables, and seasonings blend seamlessly during cooking. The cheese, which melts on top at the end, adds an extra layer of indulgence and comfort, making every bite something to savor.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Versatile Meal
In conclusion, the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is an incredibly versatile and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal that satisfies the whole family, or a dish to serve at a gathering, this recipe will not disappoint. It offers a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and spices, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make the dish your own. This recipe is perfect for customizing based on your preferences and dietary needs, whether you’re looking for a healthier version or a spicier kick. Serve it with a side of fresh toppings or complementary sides, and you have a meal that will keep everyone coming back for more.