Easy Mexican Skillet Potatoes: Your Go-To One-Pan Dinner for Busy Nights

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: Mexican Skillet Potatoes. This incredibly quick and easy one-pan Mexican recipe features perfectly crispy potatoes, savory taco meat, rich salsa, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. It’s a satisfying meal that’s a delicious step up from traditional tacos, bringing vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup to your table.

In our increasingly hectic lives, finding dinner solutions that are both delicious and don’t require an hour in the kitchen is a game-changer. One-pan dinners have become a true favorite for their sheer convenience and efficiency. As a busy individual, especially with kids, managing schedules can be a real juggle. That’s why recipes like our One Pan Spicy Garlic Shrimp, and now these incredible Mexican Skillet Potatoes, are essential staples. They offer a complete, flavorful meal that can be on the table in minutes, saving you time and stress without sacrificing taste.

Mexican cuisine holds a special place in many hearts, and ours is no exception. There’s an undeniable allure to the bold spices, fresh ingredients, and comforting warmth that define Mexican flavors. Whether it’s classic Chicken Tostadas, traditional tacos, or a hearty Mexican Rice Skillet, these dishes consistently deliver. Building on the popularity of the Mexican Rice Skillet, we decided to innovate by swapping rice for potatoes, creating a delightful new variation that brings an irresistible crispiness to the meal. If you’re a fan of perfectly cooked, slightly crispy potatoes – think elevated hash browns – then this recipe is for you. Combine that with seasoned taco meat, a generous pour of salsa, and a blanket of melted cheese, and you’ve got a dinner that truly feels like a dream come true, offering a comforting and flavorful experience for the entire family.

Why You’ll Love These Mexican Skillet Potatoes

This Mexican Skillet Potatoes recipe isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary triumph for busy weeknights. Here’s why it’s destined to become a family favorite:

• Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! This recipe is designed to minimize cleanup, making your post-dinner routine much easier and more enjoyable.
• Speedy Prep & Cook Time: From start to finish, you can have a wholesome, hearty meal on the table in about 35 minutes. This makes it perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still crave something homemade and delicious.
• Bursting with Flavor: Crispy, golden-brown potatoes, savory taco-seasoned ground meat, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese create a symphony of tastes and textures that will excite your palate and satisfy your cravings.
• Highly Customizable: It’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out proteins (ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options work great), adjust the spice level to your family’s preference, or load it up with an array of your favorite taco toppings.
• Family-Friendly: This comforting and fun meal is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Its familiar flavors and satisfying components make it a crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly from the dinner table.

Essential Ingredients for Mexican Skillet Potatoes

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather the fresh, simple ingredients needed to create this flavorful one-pan meal. For the full, detailed recipe card with exact measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post.

• Potatoes: The star of our dish! You’ll need three large potatoes, ideally cut into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch cubes) for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Russet, Red, or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for their texture and ability to get crispy. For a significant time-saver, store-bought pre-cut hash browns or frozen diced potatoes can be used. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed or cooked from frozen according to package directions before frying to achieve that desired crisp exterior.
• Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef is ideal for a less greasy skillet, providing a hearty base for the dish. However, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to other proteins. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
• Taco Seasoning: A packet of your favorite store-bought taco seasoning is perfect for adding that authentic Mexican spice blend quickly and easily. If you find yourself without a packet or prefer to control the ingredients, our Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is fantastic and easy to whip up from common pantry spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Oil: Two to three tablespoons of vegetable oil, canola oil, or even a neutral-flavored olive oil work well for getting those potatoes perfectly crispy. The oil helps conduct heat and creates that desirable golden-brown crust.
• Salsa: One cup of your preferred salsa will do the trick! Whether you like it mild, medium, or spicy, chunky or smooth, the salsa adds a crucial layer of moisture, tangy flavor, and vibrant color to the dish. For an extra layer of smoky depth, consider using Fire Roasted Salsa.
• Cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its meltability and rich, savory flavor. A Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a spicier pepper jack would also be delicious additions. For the best melt and flavor, we recommend freshly shredding your cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Water: Approximately 3/4 cup of water is typically used with the taco seasoning to create a flavorful, simmering sauce for the ground meat, ensuring it’s well-coated and infused with spices. Always refer to your specific seasoning packet for exact water recommendations.

When it comes to the potatoes, the key to quick cooking is the size of your dice. Smaller pieces will cook much faster and achieve maximum crispiness. If you’re really short on time, a clever trick is to microwave your diced potatoes in a covered bowl with a splash of water for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender before adding them to the hot pan. This pre-cooks them, so you’re just focusing on getting them golden and crispy in the skillet, significantly reducing overall cooking time and ensuring they are tender throughout.

How to Make Mexican Skillet Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this satisfying one-pan Mexican Skillet Potatoes dish is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly. Follow these clear steps for a delicious and hassle-free meal:

1. Cook the Potatoes to Crispy Perfection: Begin by adding 2-3 tablespoons of oil to a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonderfully for achieving crispiness) and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add your diced potatoes. Spread them in a single layer as much as possible without overcrowding the pan. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally (every 5-7 minutes) to ensure even browning and to prevent sticking. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crisp on the outside and a tender, fluffy interior. If your potatoes aren’t browning, increase the heat slightly; if they’re browning too quickly, reduce it. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper while they cook.
2. Prepare the Flavorful Taco Meat: While the potatoes are cooking, you can start on the ground beef in a separate skillet if you want to speed things up, or wait until the potatoes are nearly done if you prefer to use just one pan. In a separate large skillet over medium-high heat, add one pound of ground beef. Break it up into small, crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent the dish from becoming oily. Stir in one packet of taco seasoning and 3/4 cup of water (or the specific amount called for on your seasoning packet). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid has mostly absorbed and the ground beef is well-coated and infused with the delicious taco seasoning. Remove the taco meat from the pan and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
3. Assemble and Melt the Cheese: Once your potatoes are perfectly crispy and tender, return them to the center of your large skillet (if you cooked the meat separately, or arrange them evenly if the meat was cooked in the same pan). Pour one cup of salsa evenly over the cooked potatoes, ensuring a good distribution of flavor. Next, spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the salsa layer. Finally, generously sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend) over the entire skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it sit for 3-4 minutes over low heat (or simply off the heat, utilizing the residual warmth) to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible topping.
4. Serve Immediately with Toppings: Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with your desired fresh toppings (check out our suggestions below for inspiration!) and serve this piping hot, flavorful Mexican Skillet Potatoes dish immediately. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh while everything is warm and the potatoes are still wonderfully crispy!

Irresistible Toppings for Your Mexican Skillet Potatoes

Just like with tacos or nachos, the toppings are where you can truly personalize your Mexican Skillet Potatoes and add layers of fresh flavor and texture. Don’t limit yourself – treat this dish as a vibrant canvas for all your favorite fresh additions!

• Diced Tomatoes: Freshly diced ripe tomatoes add a burst of juicy freshness, a touch of acidity, and a welcome bright color.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives provide a mild, slightly briny, and salty counterpoint to the rich and savory flavors of the skillet.
• Homemade Guacamole: A generous dollop of creamy, homemade Homemade Guacamole is always a welcome addition, adding healthy fats and a smooth, luxurious texture that complements the dish perfectly.
• Fire Roasted Salsa: For an extra layer of smoky depth, a little more heat, and a more complex flavor profile, consider adding an additional spoonful of Fire Roasted Salsa on top.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A spoonful of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy, and refreshing contrast that beautifully balances any spice and richness in the dish.
• Jalapeños: Freshly sliced or pickled jalapeño slices offer a fantastic kick of heat and a vibrant, spicy crunch for those who love a little extra zing in their meal.
• Fresh Cilantro: A generous sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro brightens the entire dish with its distinctive herbaceous, citrusy notes.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy, ripe avocado slices add a lovely, buttery texture and healthy monounsaturated fats, making the dish even more satisfying.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions (scallions) provide a mild onion flavor and a delightful pop of vibrant green color to the presentation.

So when you’re planning your menu this week, be sure to add this versatile and incredibly delicious Mexican Skillet Potatoes recipe to the list! Your family will adore the vibrant flavors, and you’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together for those busy nights, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mexican Skillet Potatoes

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful Mexican Skillet Potatoes is easy when you know a few insider tips and tricks. These suggestions will help you maximize flavor and minimize cooking time:

• One Pan vs. Two Pans for Efficiency: While this recipe is designed to be a convenient one-pan meal, if you’re truly short on time or prefer perfectly separated and cooked components, you can absolutely cook the potatoes and ground beef in separate skillets simultaneously. This strategic approach can shave off a few valuable minutes from the total cooking time, making dinner even faster.
• Potato Size Matters Significantly: The key to quickly cooked and uniformly crispy potatoes lies in how you dice them. The smaller and more uniform your potato cubes, the quicker and more evenly they will cook through. Aim for roughly half-inch cubes. Don’t hesitate to use pre-cut hash browns or frozen diced potatoes from the store – there’s absolutely no shame in taking a little help from store-bought shortcuts when life gets busy!
• Speed Up Potato Cooking with Pre-Cooking: For an even faster meal, consider par-cooking your potatoes before they hit the hot skillet. You can microwave your diced potatoes in a covered bowl with just a tablespoon of water for 3-5 minutes until they are slightly tender. Alternatively, boil them for about 5-7 minutes. Once par-cooked, transfer them to the hot skillet to get them wonderfully golden and crispy. This dramatically reduces the frying time needed in the pan.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: For truly crispy, golden-brown potatoes, it’s crucial to give them enough space in the skillet. If you overcrowd the pan, the potatoes will steam rather than fry, resulting in a soggy texture. If you’re making a larger batch, cook the potatoes in two smaller batches to ensure proper crispiness.
• Season Your Potatoes Well: Don’t forget to season your potatoes with salt and pepper while they’re cooking. Building flavor from the ground up, right from the potatoes, will enhance the overall taste of the dish significantly. A little garlic powder or paprika can also be a nice touch.
• Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While pre-shredded cheese is undeniably convenient, freshly shredded cheese (especially cheddar or Monterey Jack) melts much more smoothly and tastes superior. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder a smooth melt.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to your taco meat mixture. Choosing a spicy salsa and adding extra fresh or pickled jalapeños will also amp up the heat.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: This dish is incredibly adaptable. Easily transform it into a vegetarian meal by substituting ground beef with canned black beans or pinto beans (rinsed and drained), or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Simply sauté the beans or alternative with the taco seasoning and water just as you would the meat.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

What to Serve with Mexican Skillet Potatoes

This dish is robust and flavorful enough to stand alone as a complete meal. However, if you wish to round it out or add more variety, here are some complementary sides:

• A simple, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Warm corn or flour tortillas, or a basket of crispy tortilla chips, perfect for scooping up every last bit.
• Additional fresh vegetables such as grilled corn on the cob, sautéed bell peppers, or steamed green beans for added nutrition.
• A side of creamy refried beans or seasoned black beans for extra protein and fiber.

Storage and Reheating

Mexican Skillet Potatoes are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious and can be easily stored and reheated:

• Storage: Allow any remaining skillet potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: For the best results and to help the potatoes regain some of their crispiness, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the potatoes may not be as crispy as when freshly made.

More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try

If you loved the ease, convenience, and incredible flavor of these Mexican Skillet Potatoes, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner ideas. We specialize in recipes that make weeknight meals enjoyable and stress-free:

• Air Fryer Chimichanga
• Wet Burrito
• Chile Relleno Casserole
• Potato Tacos
• Mexican Pizza
• Crunchwrap Supreme

4.65 from 45 votes

Mexican Skillet Potatoes

By
Erin Sellin

Mexican Skillet Potatoes – a quick and easy one-pan Mexican recipe. Crispy potatoes, taco meat, salsa, cheese, and more! So much better than just regular tacos.

Prep:
5 mins

Cook:
30 mins

Total:
35 mins

Servings:
5

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Video

Equipment

• Pot and Pan Set

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes, cut into small pieces
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water, (or what is called for with seasoning packet)
• 2-3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Taco Toppings

• Avocado
• Black Olives
• Sour Cream
• Tomatoes

Instructions

1. Add oil to the pan, and swirl to coat. Add potatoes and cook for 20-25 minutes, until crispy and tender.
   3 large potatoes, 2-3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. Once cooked, add taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil and cook until liquid is absorbed. Remove taco meat from the pan, and cover with foil to keep warm.
   1 pound ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 3/4 cup water
3. Pour salsa evenly over the potatoes. Top with taco meat, and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
   1 cup salsa, 1 cup cheddar cheese
4. Serve immediately with desired toppings.
   Avocado, Black Olives, Sour Cream, Tomatoes

Notes

See recipe tips section of the post for tips on cooking the potatoes faster to make this a super quick recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 1098mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
5

Calories:
610

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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