This Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pan dish packed with flavor. Ground beef and tender potatoes come together with fun spices for a tasty meal that’s easy to make!
Who doesn’t love a meal that only dirties one pan? I whip this up during busy weeknights, and it always brings smiles. Plus, it’s great topped with cheese and salsa! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. I recommend using lean ground beef to reduce excess fat. You could also swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use black beans for a vegetarian twist!
Potatoes: I prefer using russet potatoes for their fluffiness. Yukon Golds are another great choice. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, you could substitute with diced sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Just adjust cooking time accordingly!
Cheese: Cheddar brings excellent flavor to the dish. If you want something different, try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese can also work if you’d like to keep it dairy-free.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika makes the dish truly Southwest. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika will do fine. For a bit more kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
Cooking the potatoes until they’re perfectly tender is key to a great skillet dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Start by cooking them in oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally for even browning.
- Cover the skillet for the first 5-7 minutes to steam them slightly and speed up the cooking.
- Always check for doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork. They should be soft and easily pierced!
Taking the time to prepare your potatoes properly will make your skillet dish a hit!
Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced green onions for additional garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful skillet dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes cooking the potatoes, and then around 15-18 minutes to finish the rest of the meal. Quick, easy, and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. This will be the base for our delicious dish!
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook them while stirring occasionally for about 10-12 minutes, until they start turning golden and become tender. If you want, you can cover the pan with a lid for a few minutes to speed things up.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In that same skillet, once the potatoes are getting soft, push them to one side to make some space. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic into the open space. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it!
5. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well so the spices coat all the beef and potatoes beautifully.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Spread everything evenly in the skillet, then generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over. Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil for about 3-5 minutes, letting the cheese melt thoroughly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and top it off with dollops of sour cream in the center, diced tomatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro. If you like, add sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, right from the skillet for a cozy, one-pan meal!
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and spiced Southwest Ground Beef and Potato Skillet!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just remember to adjust cooking time slightly as turkey may cook quicker than beef, and ensure it’s browned and fully cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No problem! If you’re missing any spices, you can still make a delicious dish. Use taco seasoning as an alternative for the spices listed, or simply adjust according to your pantry. Just taste as you go to find the flavor balance you prefer!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and are tender by the end.