Go Back

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Seasoned ground beef and tender red potatoes cook together in one skillet with Southwest spices and melted cheese for an easy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 red potatoes diced small (about ½ inch pieces)
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Southwest seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet with lid
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Wash and dice the red potatoes into small, uniform pieces about ½ inch in size. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
  3. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Add the diced potatoes, tomato paste, Southwest seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the seasonings.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water.
  6. Once potatoes are tender, reduce heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and the cheese is gooey.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 1-minute intervals. Freezes for up to 2 months. Potato Prep: Red potatoes work best as they hold their shape. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative. Cut into uniform ½-inch pieces for even cooking. Southwest Seasoning: If you don't have a premade blend, combine 1½ tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, and ¼ tsp garlic powder. Ground Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken work well but may need extra oil and seasoning. Ground pork adds richness. Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans with the potatoes. Add zucchini during the last 5 minutes. Serving Suggestions: Serve with warm tortillas, avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, or a simple green salad.