Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that brings bold Tex-Mex flavors to your table? This Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Skillet is an ideal weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and made in one pan for easy cleanup. With seasoned ground beef, tender O’Brien potatoes, and a kick from diced tomatoes and green chilies, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves spicy, hearty meals. Finished with melted cheese and fresh herbs, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (modify according to your spice tolerance)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, or as preferred
- 4 cups frozen O’Brien potatoes, thawed (Note: O’Brien potatoes are diced potatoes with onions and bell peppers)
- One 10-ounce can of chopped tomatoes with green chilies (like RO*TEL®)
- 2 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic granules, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef with spices and allow the flavors to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Tomatoes: Stir in the thawed O’Brien potatoes and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (including the liquid). Mix everything together, ensuring the potatoes are well incorporated into the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and heated through.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and potato mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: After the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, crunchy bite. Garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Conclusion:
This Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Skillet is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make meal that delivers comfort and spice in every bite. The seasoned ground beef pairs perfectly with the tender O’Brien potatoes and the zing of tomatoes and chilies. Topped with melted cheese and fresh green onions, this one-pan dish offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. It’s a perfect dinner for busy nights when you want something hearty, delicious, and quick to prepare.