Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

4 servings
This versatile Tex-Mex ground beef and potato skillet works as the filling for a lettuce wrap, as a nacho topping, as filling for tortillas, or as a hash with eggs.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • ground beef 93% lean
    1 lb
  • bold taco seasoning mix
    2 tsp
  • chili powder
    1 tsp
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • garlic granules
    1 tsp
  • cayenne
    ½ tsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • ground black pepper or to taste
    ½ tsp
  • frozen o’brien potatoes

    thawed, see note

    4 c
  • 10-ounce can original ro-tel tomatoes
    1
  • cheddar cheese

    shredded

    2 oz
  • green onions

    sliced crossways

    2
  • fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add ground beef. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Sprinkle taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic granules, cayenne, salt, and pepper over beef, and stir to combine. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more.

  3. 3

    Stir in potatoes and cook 2 to 3 minutes, then add RO*TEL tomatoes, with juice. Cook until potatoes are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes more.

Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

30 min4 servings199 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? This Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is your answer, delivering robust, zesty flavors perfect for any weeknight, ready in just 30 minutes.

Why This Skillet Works Wonders

This recipe shines thanks to its winning combination of savory ground beef and tender potatoes, infused with a bold blend of Tex-Mex spices. The robust kick from taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile. It's an incredibly versatile dish, designed to adapt to whatever you're craving.

What truly makes this skillet special is its effortless appeal and incredible adaptability. It's a single-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor and flexibility. The rich, savory ground beef combined with the comforting texture of O'Brien potatoes makes for a deeply satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Expect a savory, mildly spicy, and incredibly comforting dish with every bite. The ground beef is beautifully seasoned, mingling with the tender, diced potatoes and the bright tang of Ro-Tel tomatoes. A blanket of shredded cheddar cheese melts into the mixture, adding a creamy, rich finish. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, offering a satisfying texture balance between the hearty beef, soft potatoes, and melted cheese, all brightened by fresh green onions and cilantro.

Customization & Variations

This Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is wonderfully flexible. While it’s delicious as is, feel free to adjust it to your taste. You can easily modify the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a different cheese like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend. If you prefer, swap the O'Brien potatoes for another diced frozen potato mix or par-boiled fresh potatoes.

Serving & Context

This skillet is a true chameleon, perfect for any meal. Serve it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter option, pile it high on tortillas for quick tacos, or use it as a hearty nacho topping. It also makes an excellent hash alongside a fried egg for breakfast or brunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for an added burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions