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 completely devoted to one-pan wonders. And this Tex-Mex Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s a fast, filling dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. If you love this style of meal, you should also try this cheesy Southwest skillet for another easy favorite.
We’re talking seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings—all cooked and served from a single skillet. Your stomach and your sink will thank you.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re making. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Category: Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
Let me be real with you. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is scrub three pots, a colander, and a cutting board. One-pan meals are my secret weapon.
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
They save you time and effort. Everything cooks together, which means the flavors get to know each other really well. You also use less energy and, best of all, you get to skip the dreaded dish pile-up. It’s a total win.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is simple. You just need one large, oven-safe skillet. A 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel pan is perfect.
As for ingredients, it’s all about pantry staples and fresh basics. The ground beef and potatoes are the hearty base. Then we power up the flavor with Tex-Mex spices, beans, corn, and cheese. For a different flavor profile, this savory Italian ground beef and potato skillet uses similar ingredients in a whole new way.
The Full Ingredient List
Here’s your shopping list. I promise it’s all easy to find.
- 1 lb lean ground beef (I use 90/10)
- 1 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For serving: Sour cream, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, avocado
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 one pan.
- Prep First: Dice your potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. This “mise en place” makes cooking faster and less chaotic.
- Brown the Beef: Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Transfer the beef to a clean plate or bowl. This keeps it from overcooking.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Toss in the diced potatoes. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get tender and golden.
- Add Aromatics: Throw in the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked beef back to the skillet. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Mix it all together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Cheese, Please: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can pop it under the broiler for 2 minutes to get the cheese perfectly bubbly and golden.
- Serve & Top: That’s it! Serve it right from the skillet. Add your favorite fresh toppings like a dollop of sour cream or some creamy avocado.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
I’ve made this enough times to learn a few things. These tips will make sure your dish turns out great every single time.
First, use the right size pan. A skillet that’s too small will steam the potatoes instead of browning them. A 12-inch is ideal.
Don’t stir the potatoes too much at the beginning. Let them sit for a few minutes to develop a nice, crispy edge. That texture is key.
If you want to speed things up, you can par-cook your diced potatoes in the microwave for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This cuts the cook time down even more for a truly fast dinner.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This recipe makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day.
Let the skillet cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just microwave single portions until hot. For a larger amount, warm it in a covered skillet on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, balanced meal. Here’s a general breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings).
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
Got questions? I’ve got answers. Here are the ones I hear most often.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully here. For a plant-based version, try a bag of plant-based ground “meat” or an extra can of beans.
My potatoes aren’t cooking fast enough. Help!
Make sure your potato cubes are small and even—about 1/2-inch. If they’re still firm, just add a couple tablespoons of water or broth to the skillet, cover it, and let them steam for a few extra minutes.
What other veggies can I add?
Get creative! Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions. Just add quicker-cooking veggies (like spinach) at the very end so they don’t get mushy.
So there you have it. Your new favorite solution for busy nights. This skillet is packed with comfort, requires barely any cleanup, and is guaranteed to please a crowd.
It’s the perfect mix of easy dinner recipes and hearty ground beef recipes. You get your protein and your potatoes all in one go. It’s a beef potato casserole without the extra dish to wash. If you’re looking for more inspiration, this Southwest ground beef and potato skillet is another fantastic, family-friendly option to add to your rotation.
I hope this recipe makes your weeknights a little brighter and your kitchen a lot cleaner. Dig into that cheesy, savory goodness and enjoy every bite.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
