I can still picture my grandma, apron tied tight, humming a little tune as she browned ground beef in her well-seasoned cast iron skillet—the aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water! Now, I’ve taken that comforting memory and given it a zesty twist with this Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner, a simple one-pan wonder that’s ready in a flash and packed with flavor. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying; you’ll have everyone asking for seconds, I promise!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Dinner
Okay, friend, let’s get real. Weeknights are chaotic. Between work, kids, errands, and trying to remember if you paid that bill, the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s where this Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner swoops in to save the day. It’s a culinary superhero in disguise!
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes? Yes, please! Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Seriously. From prep to plate, you’re looking at a half-hour tops. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still crave a home-cooked meal.
- Customizable: Don’t like peppers? Swap them out! Want to add corn? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are pantry staples that won’t break the bank. This is a great way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
- Seriously Delicious: The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and zesty Mexican spices is simply irresistible. It’s comfort food with a kick!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry; you probably have most of these on hand already. This is what makes this Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner so wonderfully convenient.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best for flavor and minimal grease).
- Potatoes: 1.5 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes. Yukon Golds will give you a creamier texture, while Russets are more fluffy.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
- Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped. I like using red or orange for a little sweetness.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste. This adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Beef Broth: ½ cup beef broth. You can substitute chicken broth or water if needed.
- Mexican Seasoning: 2 tablespoons. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own (see recipe below).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, green onions, salsa, jalapenos.
Homemade Mexican Seasoning Blend
Want to take your Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner to the next level? Whip up your own Mexican seasoning blend! It’s super easy and you can customize it to your preferred spice level.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. This blend is also fantastic on chicken, pork, or vegetables!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, grab your skillet and let’s get started! This Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner is so easy, you’ll be a pro in no time.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. (This is important, trust me! Nobody wants a greasy skillet dinner.)
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. (Don’t burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is the worst.)
- Add the Potatoes and Seasoning: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with the Mexican seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes.
- Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. (This is where patience comes in handy. Let those potatoes get nice and soft!)
- Check for Doneness: The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork. If they’re still firm, continue cooking for a few more minutes. If the skillet seems dry, add a splash more beef broth.
- Serve and Enjoy! Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Skillet Dinner
Want to ensure your Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner is a home run? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too crowded, the potatoes will steam instead of browning. If necessary, cook the ground beef in batches.
- Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes work well too. Just be sure to dice them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir the skillet occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom. If necessary, add a little more beef broth.
- Make it Ahead: This skillet dinner is great for meal prepping! You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave.
- Spice it Up: Want to kick up the heat? Add a diced jalapeño to the skillet when you sauté the vegetables, or top your finished dish with your favorite hot sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner is how easily it can be adapted to your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans for added protein and fiber.
- Add Corn: Toss in a cup of frozen or canned corn for a touch of sweetness.
- Use Different Protein: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. You can even use chorizo for a spicier flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add crumbled tofu or tempeh for protein.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle it on top before serving.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Top it Your Way: The topping options are endless! Get creative and add your favorite salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo, or pickled onions.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the hearty skillet dinner.
- Serve with Tortillas: Warm tortillas are perfect for scooping up the delicious mixture.
- Make it a Taco Bowl: Serve the skillet dinner over rice or quinoa and top with your favorite taco toppings.
- Add a Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For extra creaminess and tang.
Other Delicious Dinner Ideas
If you are loving easy skillet dinners, you should also try Pepper Steak Recipe for another quick and flavorful meal! Or, if you’re in the mood for something cheesy and comforting, why not whip up a Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole? For a fun twist on taco night, be sure to check out Baked Ground Beef Tacos, they are always a crowd-pleaser! If you’re craving Asian flavors, the Chinese Beef And Broccoli is a fantastic option. And for another great Mexican-inspired meal, the Taco Casserole Recipe is always a hit! Each of these recipes offers a unique and satisfying dinner experience.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Allow the skillet dinner to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat the skillet dinner in the microwave, in a skillet on the stovetop, or in the oven.
- Microwave: Place a portion of the skillet dinner in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover skillet dinner and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover skillet dinner in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about this Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness to the dish. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster than regular potatoes, so check for doneness frequently.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Can I freeze this skillet dinner?
- Yes, you can! Allow the skillet dinner to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What if I don’t have Mexican seasoning?
- No problem! You can use taco seasoning or a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
- Can I add more vegetables?
- Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or green beans.
So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and customizable Mexican Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! Happy cooking!
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness to the dish. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster than regular potatoes, so check for doneness frequently.
Is it possible to prepare this Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Dinner in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Can I freeze the Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Dinner for later?
Yes, you can! Allow the skillet dinner to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use if I don’t have Mexican seasoning?
No problem! You can use taco seasoning or a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Easy Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with the Mexican seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness: The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork. If they’re still firm, continue cooking for a few more minutes. If the skillet seems dry, add a splash more beef broth.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
