What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I love eating delicious food, but my least favorite part is always the mountain of dishes left behind.
That’s why I’m obsessed with my Tex-Mex Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Skillet. It’s the ultimate solution for a hungry family and a tired dishwasher (that’s you and me). We get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. If you love this style of cooking, you should also try this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet for another one-pan wonder.
This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights. It’s packed with hearty ingredients that cook together in one pan. You get a complete, satisfying dinner without the sink full of pots and pans.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re making. It’s as straightforward as it gets.
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Category: Dinner
- 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
Let’s talk about the real hero here: the single skillet. I build every layer of flavor right in that one pan.
The beef browns first. Then the potatoes cook in those tasty beef juices. Finally, everything simmers together with beans and corn.
This method isn’t just about easy cleanup. It lets all the flavors mingle and get cozy. Every bite is a perfect mix of savory, spicy, and hearty.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is simple. You need one large, oven-safe skillet. A 10 or 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel pan works perfectly.
Tex-Mex Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Tex-Mex Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
As for ingredients, think of classic, comforting Tex-Mex flavors. We’re using simple items you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.
The goal is to make a meal that feels special without a special trip to the store. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and flexible, too. For a heartier, oven-baked version perfect for feeding a crowd, check out this Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
The Full Ingredient List
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning, or 2 tbsp homemade
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For serving: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a smooth cooking process. I’ve included my tricks to keep the mess contained to that single pan.
- Brown the beef. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, transfer it to a clean plate. This keeps it from overcooking and gives us room for the veggies.
- Cook the veggies. Add the olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the garlic and diced potatoes. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season and simmer. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the potato mixture. Stir well to coat everything. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor!
- Bring it all together. Let the mixture come to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the final mix-ins. Uncover the skillet. Stir in the cooked ground beef, black beans, and frozen corn. Let everything heat through for 3-5 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and top! Take the skillet off the heat. Dish it up hot and let everyone add their favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few small habits make a huge difference. They improve your results and keep cleanup even easier.
First, dice your potatoes evenly. This makes sure they all cook at the same rate. No one wants a mix of mushy and crunchy potatoes.
Don’t stir too much after adding the broth. Let the potatoes simmer undisturbed so they cook through properly. Constant stirring can make them break apart.
Always use the right size pot. A skillet that’s too small will steam the ingredients instead of browning them. Crowding is the enemy of flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This dish makes fantastic leftovers. It’s almost better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend.
Let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer the mixture to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, just scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. You can also warm it in a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, balanced meal all on its own. Here’s a general breakdown per serving (without toppings).
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Note: Using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) helps manage the fat content. The beans and potatoes add great fiber to keep you full.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
Here are quick answers to the questions I get asked most about this recipe.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great here. For a plant-based version, try a meatless ground crumble or an extra can of beans.
My potatoes aren’t cooking fast enough. Help!
Make sure your dice is small (1/2-inch) and even. Also, keep the skillet covered tightly during the simmering step. This traps the steam, which cooks the potatoes through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can. Cook the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth when reheating if it seems dry.
And that’s it! You now have the blueprint for the easiest, most satisfying dinner. It checks every box: fast, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Most importantly, it leaves you with a happy belly and a clean kitchen. That’s a win-win in my book.
I hope this becomes a regular in your rotation of easy dinner recipes. It’s a ground beef recipe that never lets me down. If you’re looking for a more herb-forward skillet dish, this Savory Herb Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is another fantastic option.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your free time!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!