Hearty Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Skillet (Easy One-Pan Meal)

Are you looking for a simple, filling supper that has robust Tex-Mex flavors? A flavorful, one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight, this Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Skillet is very simple to clean up. For those who like spicy, filling dishes, this recipe is ideal. It has soft O’Brien potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a burst of flavor from diced tomatoes and green chilies. In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this crowd-pleasing dish that is garnished with melted cheese and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
3. 2 teaspoons taco seasoning mix
4. 1 teaspoon chili powder
5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
6. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
7. 1 teaspoon garlic granules
8. 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (modify according to your spice tolerance)
9. 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10. 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, or as preferred
11. 4 cups frozen O’Brien potatoes, thawed (Note: O’Brien potatoes are diced potatoes with onions and bell peppers)
12. One 10-ounce can of chopped tomatoes with green chilies
13. 2 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
14. 2 green onions, sliced
15. Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish (optional)

Guidelines:

1. To sauté the ground beef, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.After adding the ground beef, simmer it for 6–7 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles, until it is browned and cooked through. If required, drain any surplus fat.
2. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the beef and stir. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with spices, then simmer for a further two to three minutes to let the flavors develop.
3. Add Tomatoes and Potatoes: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and green chilies (with liquid) along with the thawed O’Brien potatoes. Make sure the potatoes are well mixed into the meat mixture as you combine everything. When the potatoes are soft and well cooked, cover the pan and simmer over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring from time to time.
4. Melt the Cheese: After the potatoes are done, evenly top the meat and potato mixture with the shredded Cheddar cheese. Once again, cover the pan and let it to remain for two to three minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and oozy.
   Garnish and Serve: Take the pan off of the burner after the cheese has melted. Add some sliced green onions on top for a crisp, fresh taste. If preferred, garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and serve hot.

In summary, this Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Skillet is a flavorful, simple-to-prepare dish that offers a hint of heat and warmth with each mouthful. The flavor of the tomatoes and chilies, together with the soft O’Brien potatoes, go well with the spiced ground beef. This one-pan meal, which has fresh green onions and melted cheese on top, has a pleasing harmony of tastes and textures. When you’re pressed for time and want something filling, tasty, and easy to make, this is the ideal supper.