Ever have one of those evenings where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping dinner will magically appear? That’s exactly how I felt last Tuesday, and let me tell you, this Southwest Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet saved the day. It’s the kind of meal that comes together fast, smells incredible while it cooks, and leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds.
I’m all about keeping things simple in the kitchen, especially on busy weeknights. This dish brings bold Southwest flavors with minimal effort—just a single pan and a handful of ingredients. The combo of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese is pure comfort food magic.
So, grab your skillet, and let’s whip up something hearty and delicious. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get this on the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s talk about why this one-pan meal is going to become your new go-to. First off, it’s ridiculously easy—minimal prep, minimal cleanup. You’re done in under an hour, and there’s only one skillet to wash. Who doesn’t love that on a hectic day?
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The bold spices, cheesy goodness, and hearty potatoes hit all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hungry teens, this recipe delivers. And honestly, the way the kitchen smells while it simmers? It’s like a warm hug.
Lastly, it’s super versatile. Swap in different veggies or adjust the heat level to your liking. You’ve got a winner no matter how you tweak it!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Southwest American
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s chat about shopping for this meal. I’m a big fan of hitting up local markets for fresh produce like potatoes and peppers—look for firm, unblemished ones to ensure the best texture. If you can, grab ground beef with a little fat (like 80/20) for extra flavor. And don’t stress if your spice rack isn’t fully stocked; even store-brand chili powder works great here.
- Ground Beef: The hearty base that carries the Southwest spices.
- Potatoes: Adds a filling, starchy bite that pairs perfectly with the meat.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection for that ultimate comfort factor.
- Bell Peppers: Brings a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Onion: Builds a savory foundation for all the flavors.
- Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin): Gives that signature Southwest kick.
INGREDIENTS
Getting everything ready for this meal is half the fun. I like to chop my veggies while sipping a glass of iced tea—it’s oddly calming. Lay out all your components on the counter so you’re not scrambling mid-cook. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot to dice the onion while the pan’s already sizzling!
- – 1 lb ground beef
- – 4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- – 1 small onion, finely chopped
- – 1 tbsp chili powder
- – 1 tsp ground cumin
- – 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
PREPARATION
Alright, let’s get cooking! One thing I’ve learned over the years is to keep an eye on those potatoes—they can go from tender to mushy if you’re not careful. Stick to the cooking times, and don’t be shy about tasting as you go. That’s the best way to make sure everything’s just right for your crew.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn golden.
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
- Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together and cook for 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot straight from the pan, and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size for 6 people.
Southwest Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Southwest Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder!
Nutrition Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely, you can swap the beef in Southwest Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet for ground turkey or chicken. Just note that it might be a bit leaner, so add a touch of oil if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully! Cook everything up, store it in the fridge, and warm it up on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it.
Are there any good veggie swaps?
For sure, try zucchini or corn in place of bell peppers. This recipe is super flexible, so use whatever you’ve got on hand!
Conclusion
There you have it, friends—a hearty Southwest Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet that’s as easy as it is tasty. I’m betting this will become a staple in your dinner rotation, just like it is in mine. Got questions or fun tweaks? Drop them below—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!