Top 1 Irresistible Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Looking for a hearty, simple dinner packed with flavor and ready in under an hour? This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the answer. With seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, bell peppers, and onions all sautéed together in one pan, this meal is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s delicious, filling, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prepping.

Whether you’re looking for ground beef and potato meal prep ideas or creative hamburger green pepper recipes, this one-skillet dish brings bold Southwest flavor to your table with minimal cleanup. It’s protein-packed, veggie-loaded, and endlessly versatile.

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What Is a Ground Beef and Potato Skillet?

A ground beef and potato skillet is a one-pan meal where ground beef is cooked with diced potatoes and a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and onions. It’s seasoned with spices—Mexican-inspired in this case—and simmered until everything is tender, browned, and bursting with flavor.

Think of it as a cross between taco meat ground beef and a rustic hash. It can be served as a main dish, stuffed into tortillas, topped with eggs, or prepped for lunches throughout the week.

Why This Hamburger and Green Pepper Recipe Works for Meal Prep

This skillet dish is ideal for hamburger meal prep ideas. Here’s why:

Everything cooks in one skillet, so there’s less mess
The ingredients hold up well for several days
It’s freezer-friendly for long-term planning
You can easily double the recipe for batch cooking
The flavors get even better as they sit

Because it combines meat, potatoes, and vegetables, it’s a balanced, complete meal all on its own—perfect for lunchboxes, weeknight dinners, or quick reheats.

Ingredients for Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red work best)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup water or beef broth
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Optional: lime wedges, shredded cheese, or avocado slices

This list of ingredients hits all the right notes: protein, spice, and hearty texture with a punch of flavor from classic Southwest dinner recipes.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This One-Pan Ground Beef Recipe

You’ll only need a few basic tools for this easy dinner:

Large skillet (12-inch recommended)
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl (optional, for spices)
Storage containers (for leftovers or meal prep)

Simple tools, simple cleanup—this ground beef recipes with peppers dish is as easy to make as it is satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Beef, Peppers, and Potatoes Skillet

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and starting to soften. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add the ground beef to the same skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
3. Add onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
4. Return the potatoes to the pan. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water or broth and stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and everything is heated through.
6. Uncover and cook an additional 2–3 minutes to reduce any remaining liquid, if needed.
7. Garnish and serve. Top with fresh herbs, cheese, avocado, or your favorite toppings.

This method delivers juicy baked chicken-style results with beef, without turning on the oven. The potatoes are soft inside with a lightly crispy edge, and the flavors are warm and satisfying.

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Tips for Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef and Peppers Every Time

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to get a good sear on the beef and potatoes
Don’t overcrowd the pan—this can steam the vegetables instead of browning them
Dice potatoes uniformly for even cooking
Brown the beef before adding too many veggies to avoid boiling it
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for balance

These tips ensure the flavors pop and the texture is spot-on.

Flavor Variations for Ground Beef Recipes with Peppers

Try these tasty twists on the classic combo:

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Add corn or black beans for extra fiber and volume
Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a twist
Add a splash of tomato sauce or salsa for a saucier dish
Stir in a handful of shredded cheese at the end for melty goodness

These small changes give new life to your favorite meals with taco meat ground beef.

Make-Ahead and Ground Beef and Potato Meal Prep Ideas

This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. Here’s how to prep:

For meal prep containers:
Divide the cooked skillet into 4–6 servings and store in airtight containers. Add a lime wedge or topping like shredded cheese to each.

As a freezer meal:
Let cool completely. Transfer to freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Taco filling or burrito bowls:
Use leftovers to stuff tortillas or layer over rice for flavorful rice-based lunches.

Best Toppings and Garnishes for This Mexican-Inspired Skillet

Make it your own with toppings like:

Fresh cilantro or parsley
Crumbled cotija or cheddar cheese
Avocado slices or guacamole
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Pickled onions or jalapeños
Lime wedges for brightness

These garnishes add color and extra cool dinner ideas for a vibrant plate.

Serving Suggestions for Southwest Dinner Recipes

Pair this skillet with:

Warm flour or corn tortillas
A side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
Green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
Grilled corn on the cob
Tortilla chips and salsa

It also works beautifully as a breakfast hash topped with a fried egg or wrapped into a burrito.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Potato Skillet Leftovers

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Cool completely before freezing. Store in single-serving containers for easy defrosting.

Reheating:
Microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.

These ground beef and potato meal prep options make it easy to stay full and fueled all week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Ground Beef and Potatoes Together

Not draining excess grease from the beef—it can make the dish too oily
Overcrowding the skillet—can lead to steaming instead of browning
Skipping seasoning—potatoes absorb flavor, so season generously
Cutting potatoes too large—they’ll take too long to cook
Adding wet ingredients too early—let the meat brown first

Avoid these mistakes and your skillet will come out perfectly every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Pepper Skillet Dishes

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with lentils, tofu, or plant-based crumbles.

Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add extra chili or jalapeños—it’s more flavorful than hot.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger skillet or make in two batches for best browning.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Not required. Yukon gold or red potatoes work well with the skin on.

🥣 Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sodium: 420 mg
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Calcium: 45 mg
Iron: 3.2 mg
Potassium: 680 mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts: Save, Share, and Enjoy More Hamburger Meal Prep Ideas

This Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate quick-and-easy one-pan dinner. With bold flavor, satisfying texture, and minimal cleanup, it’s a lifesaver for busy nights, lunch prep, or casual entertaining. Packed with protein, veggies, and spices, it’s a recipe that delivers every time.

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