Name: Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 medium potatoes ((peeled and diced)); 1 small onion ( (diced)); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes; 3/4 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth ( (or chicken broth)); 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Fresh cilantro (chopped (for garnish))

Easy Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes

ByChrysti Benner On Feb 3, 2026Feb 3, 2026

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Also known as picadillo con papas, this easy recipe comes together in one pan with simple pantry staples and big, comforting flavor.

Stove top Mexican ground beef and potatoes is a quick, hearty skillet meal made with seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and simple ingredients. It’s filling, family friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without a lot of effort.

Mexican ground beef and potatoes on a white plate, with a fork scooping out a bite.

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I love recipes that feel familiar, comforting, and easy. We’ve all had those nights when everyone is hungry and you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Sometimes, you just need a meal that comes together fast, but is still hearty and satisfying.

That’s why this stove top Mexican ground beef and potatoes, also known as an easy picadillo con papas, is a great go-to option!

It uses a combination of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes, which makes it filling, and everything cooks together in one skillet, which means clean-up is minimal.

I love that it doesn’t require anything fancy, but still feels like a real, ‘sit down and enjoy it’ kind of meal for the whole family. And you can dress it up with your toppings of choice!

If you’re looking for a reliable weeknight Mexican dinner idea, give it a try!

More Mexican Inspired Recipes:

overhead view of a cast iron skillet of ground beef and potatoes, garnished with jalapenos. A wooden spoon is in the skillet.

How to Serve Easy Picadillo Con Papas

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is when it comes to serving.

You can keep it simple and serve it on its own, or you can round it out with a side of rice, beans, or a quick salad–which is great if you’re feeding a crowd or stretching leftovers.

It’s also great served as a taco filling on tortillas. Spoon the beef and potatoes into warm flour or corn tortillas and add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

You can even turn it into burrito bowls with rice on the bottom or serve it alongside chips for scooping.

However you serve it, this is one of those meals that works with whatever you already have on hand.

white plate with a serving of Mexican ground beef and potatoes alongside some corn tortillas, garnished with sliced jalapenos.

How to Make Stove Top Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes

It’s really easy to make this flavorful meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef
Potatoes
Onion
Garlic
Canned Diced Tomatoes
Tomato Sauce
Beef Broth
Ground Cumin
Dried Oregano
Paprika
Salt
Black Pepper
Fresh Cilantro

How to Make It:

Find the full printable recipe available below

Cook the beef. First, you’ll add the ground beef and onions to a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent, breaking the beef up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute or two, until garlic is fragrant.

two photos; one shows ground beef and diced onions in a cast iron skillet; the other shows minced garlic added to the cooked beef and onions.

Add the potatoes and sauce. Then, you’ll stir in the diced potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

two photos; one shows browned ground beef, diced potatoes, seasonings, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes in a cast iron skillet; the other shows the mixture once it's cooked through.

Garnish and serve. Give it a taste and add additional salt or other seasonings, if needed. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

A wooden spoon scoops out Mexican ground beef and potatoes from a black skillet.

Notes and Adaptations:

If you would prefer to use frozen diced hash brown potatoes, I’d recommend using 2.5 cups and decrease the cooking time to 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Feel free to garnish with additional toppings, such as sliced jalapenos, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, etc. You can enjoy this meal on its own or serve it with tortillas as a taco filling.