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Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

A protein-packed one-pan dinner with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 395

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or leaner
  • 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1/2 inch cubes, peeling optional
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 whole red bell pepper diced
  • 4 oz canned diced green chiles mild or hot
  • 2.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1-1.5 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Lid for skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat the avocado oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce heat to medium and add the diced potatoes. Cook, stirring often, for about 6 minutes until they start to turn golden brown and become slightly tender.
  2. Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the empty side, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a brown crust, then continue breaking it up. Once the beef starts to brown, add the diced onion and red bell pepper.
  3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Add the diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together until the spices coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
  4. Continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are completely fork-tender and the beef is cooked through with no pink remaining. The mixture should be fragrant and well combined.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and remove from heat. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.
  6. Remove the lid and garnish with additional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Serving Ideas: Serve on its own, spoon into tortillas for tacos, use as burrito filling, or top with a fried egg for breakfast hash. Variations: Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner option. Add corn, black beans, or zucchini for extra vegetables. Substitute cauliflower florets for potatoes to make low-carb. Use russet potatoes cut slightly larger if Yukon Gold unavailable. Pro Tip: Cut potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. Let beef brown before breaking up completely for better flavor.