Save this recipe!

Enter your email below to get this delicious recipe sent directly to your inbox, and sign up for our weekly newsletter featuring new, exciting recipes!

Ingredients

This simple yet flavorful skillet utilizes readily available ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet and russet potatoes offers a delightful balance of texture and taste, while the taco seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes infuse the dish with a wonderfully savory and slightly smoky character.

• 1 lb ground beef: Lean or regular, depending on your preference. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as alternatives.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a foundational aromatic flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a vibrant color, alongside beneficial nutrients.
• 1 medium russet potato, diced: Offers classic potato heartiness, becoming wonderfully tender and absorbing all the delicious flavors.
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning: A quick and easy way to add a burst of Mexican-inspired flavor. You can adjust the amount or use your homemade blend.
• ½ cup water: Essential for creating a simmering liquid that helps cook the potatoes to tender perfection and forms a light sauce.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic: Elevates the overall savory profile of the dish. Freshly minced is always recommended for the best flavor.
• 6 oz can diced green chilis, undrained: Contributes a mild, tangy heat and a distinct Southwestern flair without being overly spicy.
• 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained: These tomatoes bring a smoky depth and acidity that brightens the entire skillet. Using them undrained adds valuable liquid for simmering.
• ½ cup shredded Mexican style cheese: A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses provides a creamy, melty finish. Feel free to use sharp cheddar or a different blend.
• Optional taco toppings: Enhance your serving experience with a variety of fresh and creamy toppings. Consider sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or chopped green onions.

Gathering all your ingredients before you start cooking, known as “mise en place,” will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, ensuring your one-pan meal truly lives up to its easy reputation.

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create a flavorful and satisfying Beefy Potato Skillet that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor with minimal effort.

1. Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

   Begin by heating a large, sturdy skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Add the ground beef and the diced yellow onion to the hot pan. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the ground beef into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, and the onions have softened and become translucent, typically about 7 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base and preventing an overly greasy final dish.

   Chef’s Note: Ensure your pan is large enough to comfortably hold all ingredients later. A well-browned beef base is key to a rich-tasting skillet.

2. Step 2: Simmer and Tenderize the Potatoes

   After draining the grease, reduce the heat to low. Now, it’s time to infuse the dish with its signature flavors. Add the taco seasoning, ½ cup of water, minced garlic, the entire can of diced green chilis (do not drain), and the entire can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (also do not drain) to the skillet. Finally, incorporate both the diced sweet potato and the diced russet potato. Stir all the ingredients well, ensuring the potatoes are thoroughly coated in the fragrant sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let the mixture simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes. This simmering process allows the potatoes to cook through, becoming wonderfully tender, and absorb all the robust flavors from the spices and other ingredients.

   Tip for Success: Check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing them with a fork. If they are still firm, continue simmering for a few more minutes, adding a tablespoon or two of water if the liquid reduces too much.

3. Step 3: Finish with Cheese and Serve

   Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican-style cheese evenly over the top of the hot mixture. The residual heat from the skillet will gently melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible layer. Stir the melted cheese into the beef and potato mixture until it’s fully incorporated and creamy. Serve the beefy potato skillet immediately while it’s warm and inviting. This dish is fantastic on its own, but truly shines when topped with your favorite taco garnishes. Consider a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh diced tomatoes, creamy slices of avocado, and a generous amount of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

   Presentation Idea: A squeeze of lime juice just before serving can add a bright, zesty finish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the skillet.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

Why You’ll Love This Beefy Potato Skillet:

This skillet isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and maximum satisfaction. You’ll adore it because it’s a complete meal made in a single pan, significantly reducing cleanup time. The combination of savory beef, hearty potatoes, and a perfect blend of spices creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that uses common ingredients to create something truly special, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Customization Ideas for Your Skillet:

• Protein Swaps: Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble for a delicious twist. For a vegetarian version, you could also substitute the beef with black beans and corn.
• Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), corn kernels, or cooked black beans during the simmering stage for extra nutrients and texture. A handful of fresh spinach can be stirred in at the very end until wilted.
• Spice Level Adjustments: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or an extra ½ teaspoon of chili powder along with the taco seasoning. Freshly diced jalapeños can be sautéed with the onions in the first step.
• Cheese Varieties: While Mexican-style cheese is fantastic, feel free to use sharp cheddar, pepper jack for extra kick, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
• Herb Freshness: Beyond cilantro, consider adding fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried oregano for a different aromatic note.

Serving Suggestions:

While this Beefy Potato Skillet is a meal in itself, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness, or with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping up the delicious mixture. A side of creamy refried beans or seasoned rice can also complement the flavors beautifully, making for a truly satisfying spread.

Storage & Reheating for Meal Prep:

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Store any leftover Beefy Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions gently in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual servings until heated through. The flavors tend to meld even further overnight, often tasting even better the next day!

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition information is an approximation calculated automatically based on the ingredients listed. Actual values may vary significantly depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and any optional toppings or substitutions used. It should be used as a guide only.

• Calories: 477 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 94mg
• Sodium: 575mg
• Potassium: 827mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 8632 IU
• Vitamin C: 24mg
• Calcium: 194mg
• Iron: 4mg

Tried this delicious one-pan Beefy Potato Skillet recipe? We would absolutely love to hear about your experience!

Please leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out for you. Did you add any unique twists? Share your success and inspire other home cooks!