Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a traditional, comforting dish known for its rich, savory flavor. The tender potatoes, combined with well-seasoned ground beef, create a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re craving a simple dinner or prepping a hearty meal for the week, this dish can be customized to suit your preferences.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few essential ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, and a blend of spices—you can easily create a delicious meal. The addition of vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers, further enhances the dish’s flavor. Topped with cheese and fresh cilantro, this Mexican-inspired dish will take your taste buds on a savory journey.
Introduction
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and rich history, and ground beef and potatoes are staple ingredients in many Mexican households. This particular recipe is a one-pan meal that combines the heartiness of potatoes with the richness of seasoned ground beef, making it a filling and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.
In Mexico, this dish is often served with warm tortillas, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s comforting yet vibrant and can be adjusted to fit different tastes and preferences.
The combination of beef, potatoes, and a variety of aromatic spices makes this dish not only tasty but also highly customizable. You can add more vegetables, adjust the heat level with chiles, or switch up the spices to suit your palate.
Tools You Will Need
To make this dish, you will need a few kitchen tools to ensure that everything comes together smoothly:
- Large skillet or frying pan – A 12-inch skillet or frying pan is ideal for this recipe. It allows enough space for the potatoes and beef to cook evenly.
- Sharp knife – For chopping the potatoes, onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using).
- Cutting board – To safely cut your ingredients.
- Spatula – To stir the beef and potatoes while cooking.
- Lid (optional) – A lid for covering the pan while the potatoes cook through and become tender.
- Measuring spoons – To measure the spices and seasonings accurately.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
The first step in this recipe is to prepare the potatoes. Begin by washing and peeling the potatoes (optional) before cutting them into small, bite-sized cubes. Make sure the potato pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Once the potatoes are cut, place them in a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil. Allow the potatoes to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just slightly tender but not fully cooked. This step helps reduce the overall cooking time when adding the potatoes to the skillet later.
Drain the potatoes well and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink and has started to crisp up a bit.
Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan, leaving just a small amount of oil for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
If you’re using bell pepper, add it at this stage, cooking it along with the onion and garlic until it softens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Now it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to become fragrant.
Step 5: Add the Potatoes
Once the spices have cooked for a minute, add the partially cooked potatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine everything, ensuring that the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the potatoes to finish cooking through and absorb all the flavors. If the mixture starts to stick to the pan, you can add a little more oil or water to help it cook evenly.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Adjust Seasoning
Once the potatoes are tender and golden, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve
Once everything is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the beef and potato mixture. Cover the skillet for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole (optional). Serve hot with warm tortillas, or enjoy it as is for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Par-cook the potatoes: Pre-cooking the potatoes slightly helps them cook faster and evenly in the skillet, so they’re soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Use a heavy skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet helps distribute heat evenly, which is key for getting the potatoes crispy without burning the beef.
- Feel free to adjust the spices: If you like more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, you can cut back on the chili powder and cumin.
- For crispy potatoes: After adding the potatoes, let them sit in the skillet undisturbed for a few minutes to allow them to crisp up before stirring.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different veggies like corn, peas, or diced carrots for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the beef and potato mixture as a filling for soft corn or flour tortillas, topped with salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
- With Rice and Beans: Serve it alongside a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a more filling meal.
- As a One-Pan Meal: If you want a simple, one-pan meal, serve the beef and potato mixture with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
- With Tortilla Chips: For a fun snack or appetizer, serve the mixture with crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken: Swap out ground beef for a leaner alternative like ground turkey or chicken.
- Add more veggies: You can add more vegetables to the mix, such as corn, zucchini, or peas, for added texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat or a combination of beans and extra vegetables for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a few teaspoons of hot sauce for extra heat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Allow the Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil or water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and a healthier twist.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, you can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh diced jalapeños. You can also drizzle the finished dish with your favorite hot sauce.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
While fresh potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen diced potatoes if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
Conclusion
This Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a satisfying, flavorful dish that brings the best of Mexican comfort food right to your table. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a blend of spices, it’s a meal that’s sure to please the entire family. Whether you enjoy it with warm tortillas, over rice, or simply as a one-pan dish, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this deliciously hearty dish today!
Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. - Add the Veggies:
To the beef, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. - Add Tomatoes & Seasonings:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Combine Potatoes and Beef:
Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet and gently stir to combine everything. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, letting the potatoes absorb some of the flavors and heat through. - Serve:
Once everything is well combined and heated, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and, if desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese. - Optional:
Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and cumin to taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter version.
- Toppings: This dish is versatile, so feel free to add sour cream, avocado slices, or salsa on top for extra flavor and creaminess.