I love cooking. I hate cleaning. There, I said it. The joy of creating a delicious meal is often overshadowed by the mountain of pots, pans, and utensils waiting in the sink.
What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! That’s the exact philosophy behind this Southwest Ground Beef & Potato Skillet.
This recipe is my weeknight hero. It delivers incredible, hearty flavor without the dreaded cleanup. We’re talking one pan from stovetop to table. Let’s get cooking!
Recipe Overview
I make this dish at least twice a month. It’s my go-to when I need something satisfying and simple.
- Cuisine: American Southwest
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I remember the first time I made a true one-pan dinner. It felt like I had discovered a secret superpower. The freedom was incredible!
Everything cooks together in a single, trusty skillet. The flavors meld and build upon each other, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve otherwise.
Best of all, you only have one pan to wash. This simple fact makes weeknight cooking feel effortless and actually enjoyable.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
My kitchen mantra is “less is more,” especially when it comes to equipment. For this recipe, your most important tool is a good, large skillet.
Southwest Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Southwest Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
I use my favorite 12-inch cast iron skillet. It distributes heat evenly and can go from stovetop to oven if you want a crispy top. A large non-stick skillet works perfectly too.
The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly staples. You likely have most of them already. Let’s gather everything.
The Full Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish. I love how flexible it is.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb russet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
I’ve perfected this method through trial and error. The goal is maximum flavor with minimal splatter and mess.
- Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get golden and slightly tender.
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side. This clever trick keeps the potatoes from getting greasy. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring everything together now, until the vegetables begin to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- This is where the magic happens. Sprinkle in all your spices—the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and add the frozen corn. Give it a good stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender and have absorbed all the wonderful flavors.
- Once the potatoes are tender, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if you like. Then, serve it right from the skillet for the ultimate easy cleanup presentation!
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
I’ve learned a few secrets over the years that make one-pot cooking a true success. They’re simple but make a world of difference.
First, use the right size pot. A crowded skillet steams instead of browns. Your 12-inch skillet is perfect for this recipe.
Don’t stir too much! Let the potatoes sit and develop a golden crust. This builds layers of flavor and texture in your dish.
Dice your potatoes uniformly. This ensures they all cook at the same rate. No one wants a mix of mushy and crunchy potatoes!
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This dish makes fantastic leftovers. It’s my favorite lunch for the next day, and it’s so simple to bring back to life.
Let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave single portions until hot. For a larger portion, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water to keep it moist. It tastes just as good, if not better!
Nutrition Notes
While I’m all about flavor, I also like to know what I’m eating. This dish is a well-balanced meal all on its own.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the lean ground beef.
- Source of Fiber: From the potatoes, corn, and tomatoes.
- Rich in Vitamins: Packed with Vitamin C from the bell peppers.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the fat and sodium to your liking.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get asked about this recipe all the time! Here are the most common questions I hear from readers.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! I’ve used russet, Yukon Gold, and red potatoes with great success. Yukon Golds are especially creamy and hold their shape well.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild Southwest kick. For a milder version, use a can of mild diced tomatoes and green chiles. For more heat, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can. You can dice the potatoes and veggies ahead of time. Store them in water in the fridge to prevent browning. Then, assembly is a breeze.
I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. It’s the perfect solution for a busy night when you want a meal that feels like a hug.
You get to enjoy all that incredible, hearty flavor. And you get to enjoy your clean kitchen, too! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!