Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe 2025
Updated on 6 min read
There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of ground beef and potatoes. Add the bold spices of Mexican cuisine, and you’ve got a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder. The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is exactly that—a hearty, affordable, and versatile recipe that saves time without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prepping for the week, this skillet meal has everything you want: crispy golden potatoes, juicy seasoned beef, and the warmth of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top it with creamy avocado, zesty lime, or gooey cheese, and you’ll discover a dish that checks all the boxes for convenience, nutrition, and flavor.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of this dish—from the full recipe instructions and pro cooking tips to variations, serving suggestions, nutritional details, and answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to cook a skillet meal that can rival any restaurant-style Mexican dish, all in the comfort of your home.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Cooking at home should be enjoyable, not stressful. This recipe stands out because it’s:
One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without sacrificing taste.
Customizable: Adaptable to spice levels, protein options, and toppings.
Family-approved: A meal that both kids and adults will love.
Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day when reheated.
This dish combines the richness of beef with the comfort of potatoes while layering on the bright, smoky spices that define Mexican-inspired cooking.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef – Lean works best, but regular beef adds more flavor.
3 medium russet potatoes – Diced small for faster cooking and crispy edges.
1 medium onion – White or yellow, finely chopped.
3 cloves garlic – Minced for maximum aroma.
2 tbsp olive oil – Or vegetable oil for sautéing.
1 tsp chili powder – Adds warmth and color.
1 tsp ground cumin – Earthy and essential for that Mexican touch.
½ tsp smoked paprika – For a subtle smoky depth.
½ tsp oregano – Optional, for herbal notes.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper – Optional, for extra heat.
Salt and black pepper – To taste.
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) – For moisture and brightness.
Pro Tip: Dice the potatoes into small cubes (about ½ inch) to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced potatoes in a single layer.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Remove and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—spread the potatoes evenly for maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Cook the beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Break it apart with a spatula while cooking.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add aromatics and spices
Add onion and garlic to the beef.
Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper.
Mix well to coat the beef evenly with spices.
Step 4: Combine everything
Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet.
Stir in diced tomatoes.
Cook for another 3–5 minutes to let flavors meld and potatoes crisp slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
Add toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream if desired.
Serve hot with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Skillet
Use cast iron – A cast-iron skillet delivers the crispiest potatoes and richest beef flavor.
Pre-cook potatoes (optional) – Parboil for 5 minutes before frying for even faster cooking.
Adjust spice levels – Mild for kids, spicy for adults. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
Cheese lovers’ tip – Add shredded cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking, cover with a lid, and let it melt over the beef and potatoes.
Batch cooking – Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick weeknight meals.
Variations
This recipe is versatile! Here are some fun variations to try:
Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even chorizo for different flavors.
Vegetarian option: Substitute beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based ground meat.
Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or spinach for color and nutrition.
Tex-Mex twist: Stir in black beans and corn, then top with cheddar cheese.
Breakfast skillet: Add scrambled eggs and top with salsa for a hearty morning meal.
What to Serve with Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
This dish is filling on its own, but here are some perfect sides:
Warm flour or corn tortillas – Wrap it up like tacos.
Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice – Completes the meal beautifully.
Refried beans or black beans – Adds creaminess and fiber.
Fresh guacamole or avocado salsa – For a creamy, cooling balance.
Simple green salad – Light and refreshing alongside the hearty skillet.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months, but potatoes may soften slightly.
Reheating:
Skillet method: Heat in a pan with a splash of oil to re-crisp potatoes.
Microwave: Quick but may soften texture.
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for best results.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Nutritional values may vary based on toppings and ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Cook the dish, cool it, and store in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
2. Which potatoes are best for this recipe? Russet potatoes are best for crispiness, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes work too.
3. Can I make it spicier? Absolutely! Add jalapeños, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even chipotle powder.
4. How do I make this dish healthier? Use ground turkey or chicken, reduce oil, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
5. Can I use leftover potatoes? Yes, just add them at the end to heat through and crisp slightly.
6. Does this recipe work for meal prep? Yes! Store in individual containers and pair with rice or tortillas for grab-and-go meals.
7. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes—simply skip cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives.
Conclusion
The Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can make extraordinary meals. With crispy potatoes, savory beef, and vibrant spices, this one-pan wonder is hearty, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you enjoy it wrapped in tortillas, spooned over rice, or straight from the skillet, this dish guarantees a satisfying and flavorful experience. Try it tonight, and you might just find it becoming a new family favorite.
