This bold and flavorful Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the perfect answer to busy weeknights. With tender golden potatoes, spiced ground beef, and vibrant bursts of corn, every bite is satisfying and comforting.
It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and customizable to your spice level. Whether you top it with cheese, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime, this dish brings bold flavor and convenience to your table. Serve it on its own or pair it with warm tortillas for a full, hearty dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound lean ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced small
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1 cup low-sodium beef broth
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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Lime wedges, for serving
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
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Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and fragrant.
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Mix in the diced potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
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Stir in the corn and cook for another 3-4 minutes, uncovered, until heated through and broth is mostly absorbed.
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Top with shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Let melt for a minute or two.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, satisfying dish that brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity, the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a recipe that belongs at the top of your weeknight dinner list. A well-loved staple in many households, this dish is a nod to the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine while offering the convenience and ease of a one-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need something delicious and reliable, this dish delivers in every way.
At its heart, this recipe is all about taking simple ingredients ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, spices and transforming them into something spectacular. It’s a perfect example of how Mexican-inspired flavors can elevate everyday pantry staples into a vibrant, soul-warming meal. It’s savory, spicy (but adjustable), and utterly comforting. The beauty of the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet lies in its balance between the hearty meat, tender potatoes, aromatic seasonings, and the subtle acidity of the tomatoes. When everything comes together, each bite feels like a warm hug.
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
While this particular dish is a modern skillet meal designed for convenience, it pays homage to traditional Mexican cooking. Dishes combining potatoes and ground beef are common across Mexico, especially in rural or working-class households, where making the most of affordable ingredients is both practical and cultural. These types of meals are often cooked in large batches to serve families, and leftovers are even better the next day.
The spice mix typically includes chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder seasonings that are deeply rooted in Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine. These spices don’t just add heat; they add dimension. The chili powder brings warmth, the cumin provides a deep earthiness, paprika adds a hint of smokiness, and garlic offers its pungent charm.
Though it’s not an authentically traditional dish by any means, this skillet recipe captures the spirit of traditional Mexican home cooking: humble, resourceful, and deeply flavorful.
Why This Skillet Works So Well
One of the main advantages of a one-skillet meal like this is the ease of preparation and cleanup. Everything is cooked in the same pan, which helps the flavors develop and mingle beautifully while saving you from a pile of dishes. The cooking process also allows the ingredients to absorb the seasonings and juices, creating a cohesive and rich dish that tastes like it simmered all day even if it only took you about 30 minutes.
Potatoes are an excellent addition to ground beef dishes. They’re filling, nutritious, and absorb the spices and juices, turning soft and flavorful as they cook. They also provide a nice contrast in texture to the crumbled beef, adding variety to every bite. Tomatoes, whether diced or in sauce form, help to create a light, savory broth that binds the dish together without making it soupy.
Flexible and Family-Friendly
Another great thing about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can spice it up or down depending on your preferences. Want more heat? Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Need a more tomato-forward flavor? Add tomato paste or fire-roasted tomatoes for depth. Prefer it cheesier? Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top before serving.
It’s also ideal for feeding a family. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the comforting familiarity of potatoes and beef. The dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including warm flour tortillas, rice, beans, or even a fresh avocado salad. It’s also hearty enough to serve on its own.
For those looking to sneak in some vegetables, chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn kernels can be added into the mix without changing the base recipe too much. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can even substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version of the dish.
Nutritional Profile
From a nutrition standpoint, this dish is well-rounded. Ground beef provides protein and iron, while potatoes are a good source of potassium and fiber. Depending on how you customize it, you can increase the veggie content or reduce the fat by using lean ground beef or even ground turkey. You can also control the sodium content by using low-sodium broth or seasoning blends.
For meal preppers, this skillet holds up well in the fridge for several days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious. You can also portion it out with rice or greens for a quick grab-and-go lunch.
Cultural Significance
Even though this recipe is a modern, Americanized take on Mexican-inspired cuisine, it still reflects an appreciation for the bold and complex flavor profiles that define much of Mexican cooking. From the earthy spices to the use of fresh ingredients like tomatoes and potatoes, the dish has cultural ties that make it more than just comfort food.
Cooking meals like this allows us to engage with culinary traditions in a way that’s accessible and respectful. It also helps bridge the gap between cultures, showcasing how Mexican ingredients and flavors can seamlessly become part of our everyday cooking repertoire.
Perfect For All Seasons
While some dishes are best reserved for certain seasons, this skillet recipe is great year-round. It’s warming and cozy enough for fall and winter, but not too heavy to enjoy in the warmer months. Serve it with a crisp salad or some grilled vegetables in summer, or with rice and beans in winter for a more filling feast.
It’s also a great dish for entertaining, especially for casual dinners. The vibrant color of the dish, thanks to the browned beef, golden potatoes, and red tomatoes, makes it visually appealing right out of the skillet. Serve it family-style, and let guests dig in it’s the kind of meal that brings people together.
Conclusion:
The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined with the right seasonings and technique, can produce a dish that is both comforting and exciting. It captures the essence of hearty home cooking with a delicious Mexican twist, making it suitable for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is approachable and dependable. It’s rich in flavor, flexible enough to adapt to dietary needs, and satisfying in a way that only a truly comforting meal can be.
If you’re looking for a new staple that brings warmth, flavor, and ease to your dinner table, this skillet dish won’t disappoint.