Best Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet – Quick, Easy, One‑Pan Dinner Recipe 🚀🥔🍽️

Table of Contents: Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Discover the comfort of a sizzling skillet dinner that combines savory ground beef, golden potatoes, and bold Tex-Mex spices for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something truly satisfying without the fuss.

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2. Introduction: Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

There’s something profoundly comforting about a meal that comes together in a single skillet. The sizzle, the aroma that fills the kitchen, the promise of a hearty dinner with minimal cleanup—it’s the kind of cooking that feels both smart and soul-satisfying. Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite hearty ground beef meals: the Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet. This dish is a vibrant, flavor-packed celebration of everything we love about comfort food, all cooked to perfection in one pan.

This recipe is a weeknight hero. Whether you’re rushing between after-school activities or just want to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying a meal with your family, this skillet dinner delivers. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for potlucks, casual family dinners, or even a cozy weekend brunch. The combination of seasoned ground beef and crispy potatoes smothered in a zesty tomato and green chili sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

As we explore this recipe together, I’ll share my secrets for building deep, authentic Tex-Mex flavor and offer plenty of substitutions so you can make it your own. This Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable, delicious solution for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy cooking. So, grab your favorite cast-iron or oven-safe skillet, and let’s get cooking!

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3. Alternate Names & Variations

You might know this fantastic dish by a few different names! If you’re searching for similar Tex-Mex recipes, look for:

• One-Pan Tex-Mex Beef and Potatoes
• Cowboy Skillet Dinner
• Mexican Beef and Potato Hash
• Picadillo-Style Skillet (a simpler, quicker version)

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to add a can of drained black beans or corn in the last few minutes of cooking for extra fiber and color. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.

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4. Ingredients: Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Before we start, here’s your shopping list. Using high-quality, simple ingredients is the key to making this potato skillet dinner shine.

For the Spice Blend:

• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic granules
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

For the Skillet:

• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ½ pound lean ground beef
• 2 cups frozen O’Brien potatoes, thawed (see Note)
• ½ (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as RO*TEL®), undrained

For Garnish:

• 1 ounce sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish (optional)

Note: O’Brien potatoes are a frozen mix of diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. They add fantastic flavor and texture, making this a true one-pan meal. If you can’t find them, use plain frozen diced potatoes and add 2 tablespoons of finely diced onion and 2 tablespoons of diced bell pepper when you cook the ground beef.

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5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked skillet every time.

1. Prepare Your Station: Measure out all your spices and ingredients. Having everything ready (a technique known as mise en place) makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. This is also the time to thaw your frozen potatoes if you haven’t already.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large (10-12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess grease, drain it off.
3. Bloom the Spices: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pre-mixed spices—taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic granules, cayenne, salt, and black pepper—to the beef. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until the spices are fragrant. This “blooms” the spices, unlocking their full flavor potential.
4. Add Potatoes and Tomatoes: Add the thawed O’Brien potatoes and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir everything together until the beef, potatoes, and tomatoes are beautifully combined.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Press the mixture down into an even layer in the skillet. Let it cook, without stirring, for 4-5 minutes to allow the bottom layer of potatoes to get slightly crispy. Then, give it a good stir, press it down again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Add the Cheesy Topping: Once the potatoes are cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or a large plate for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter the sliced green onions and fresh cilantro sprigs (if using) over the top. Serve immediately right from the skillet for a beautiful, family-style presentation.

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6. Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This easy Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet comes together in no time. Prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cook time of about 15-20 minutes, bringing the total time to just 30 minutes. This recipe comfortably serves 2-3 people as a main course, or 4 if served with sides like a fresh green salad or warm tortillas. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a fulfilling yet balanced hearty ground beef meal.

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7. Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe is a standout for several reasons. First, the blend of spices isn’t just “taco seasoning”; it’s a carefully balanced mix that includes smoked paprika for depth and a hint of cayenne for a customizable kick. Using pre-diced O’Brien potatoes saves precious prep time without sacrificing the classic home-cooked flavor of onions and peppers.

Pro-Tips for the Best Results:

• Don’t Skip the Thaw: For the crispiest potatoes, ensure they are fully thawed. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess ice crystals.
• Get a Good Sear: Let the mixture sit undisturbed for those few minutes to develop a flavorful, crispy crust on the bottom—this is where the magic happens!
• Customize the Heat: The cayenne pepper is your control knob. For a milder dish, omit it entirely. For more fire, add a diced jalapeño with the ground beef or increase the cayenne to ½ teaspoon.
• Cheese Matters: For the best melt and flavor, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make it grainy.

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8. Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet freezes quite well! Portion the cooled skillet mixture into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot all the way through. You can also use the microwave, reheating in 60-second intervals and stirring in between. If it seems a bit dry after freezing, add a tablespoon of water or broth while reheating to bring back the moisture.

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9. People Also Ask: Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

How do you make Tex-Mex ground beef and potato skillet?

Making this Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a straightforward, one-pan process. You start by browning lean ground beef in a skillet. Next, you add a robust blend of Tex-Mex spices to the beef to build a flavorful base. Then, stir in thawed O’Brien potatoes and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. The mixture is cooked until the potatoes are tender and have developed a slight crisp. Finally, it’s topped with melted Cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes like green onions and cilantro. The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution that requires minimal cleanup.

What are good Tex-Mex spices?

Authentic Tex-Mex recipes rely on a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky spice profile. The essential spices include chili powder for base heat, ground cumin for its unmistakable earthy warmth, and garlic powder for savory depth. Smoked paprika is a secret weapon, adding a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish. Of course, a good taco seasoning blend, which often contains oregano and other spices, is a great base. For heat, cayenne pepper is perfect because it’s easily adjustable. Together, these spices create the complex, comforting flavor that defines Tex-Mex cuisine and makes this skillet so irresistible.

Can you make this skillet meal spicier?

Absolutely! Customizing the heat level is one of the best parts of making this potato skillet dinner. To make it spicier, you have several options. First, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix. Second, consider using a “Hot” variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Hot RO*TEL®). For a fresh, sharp heat, add one or two finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the skillet when you are browning the ground beef. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less intensity, or leave them in for maximum fire.

What kind of potatoes work best in a skillet?

For a Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet, you want a potato that will hold its shape and get tender inside with a slightly crispy exterior. Frozen O’Brien potatoes are ideal for convenience as they are pre-diced and contain onions and peppers. If using fresh potatoes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent choices because of their waxy texture, which prevents them from becoming mushy. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to fall apart more easily. If using fresh, dice them into ½-inch cubes and par-cook them in the microwave for a few minutes before adding to the skillet to ensure they cook through in time.

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10. Conclusion: Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

I hope this Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet becomes a cherished, go-to recipe in your home kitchen just as it is in mine. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients, when combined with bold flavors and a little love, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s the perfect answer to the eternal question, “What’s for dinner?”

If you give this recipe a try, I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your experiences or any creative twists you added. And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with us on social media. Happy cooking!

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