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southwest ground beef & potatoes recipe - Southwest Ground Beef & Potatoes served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Southwest Ground Beef & Potatoes

southwest ground beef & potatoes recipe made easy at home. A hearty, one-skillet wonder that combines savory ground beef, crispy potatoes, and vibrant bell pe
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes scrubbed and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Seasonings & Oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 1 tbsp Southwest seasoning blend or use: 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For Serving (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes to get a golden crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and crispy on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Push vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the center, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, then mix with the vegetables.
  3. Sprinkle the Southwest seasoning blend, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and stir gently to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid (or a large baking sheet if you don't have one) and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
  5. Serve the dish directly from the skillet at the table. Garnish individual portions with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, and a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over.