Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This Southwest-inspired skillet combines tender cubes of sirloin steak with crisp, golden baby potatoes and a medley of colorful vegetables like red bell pepper, onion, and corn. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, the dish is cooked in olive oil to develop a rich, savory flavor. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, it offers a balanced and satisfying meal with a hint of heat from jalapeño, perfect for a quick yet wholesome dinner.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:55:00 GMT
Sizzling skillet showcasing a delicious Southwestern Steak & Potato Skillet with vibrant bell peppers and corn. Save
Sizzling skillet showcasing a delicious Southwestern Steak & Potato Skillet with vibrant bell peppers and corn. | nachohaha.com

A hearty, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender steak, crispy potatoes, and vibrant Southwestern spices for a satisfying meal.

I remember the first time I made this Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet for my family. The aroma from the pan had everyone gathering around the kitchen, eager to dig in, and it quickly became a weeknight favorite for us.

Ingredients

  • Sirloin steak: 1 lb (450 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Baby potatoes: 1 lb (450 g), quartered
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Red onion: 1 small, diced
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (150 g), fresh or frozen
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Chili powder: 2 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp, divided
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime: cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Sear the steak:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the steak cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Cook potatoes:
Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until golden and just tender.
Add vegetables:
Add the red bell pepper, red onion, corn, jalapeño (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Add spices:
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
Finish the skillet:
Return the steak and any juices to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the steak is cooked to desired doneness and everything is heated through.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Tender steak nestled with golden potatoes in a savory Southwestern Steak & Potato Skillet, ready to enjoy. Save
Tender steak nestled with golden potatoes in a savory Southwestern Steak & Potato Skillet, ready to enjoy. | nachohaha.com

Sharing this skillet meal around our dinner table always brings everyone together. Even picky eaters love the crispy potatoes and the hearty steak pieces mixed with those bright veggies.

Required Tools

Large skillet, cutting board, chefs knife, wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens as listed (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans). Always check processed ingredients for possible cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 410, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 32 g

A steaming, flavorful Southwestern Steak & Potato Skillet, garnished with cilantro and served with fresh lime. Save
A steaming, flavorful Southwestern Steak & Potato Skillet, garnished with cilantro and served with fresh lime. | nachohaha.com

This Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet makes dinner easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQ

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes is ideal for tenderness and quick cooking.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Baby potatoes work best for even cooking and a crispy texture, but Yukon gold or red potatoes are good alternatives.

How can I adjust the heat level?

Add or reduce jalapeño quantity or sprinkle a pinch of cayenne to control spiciness.

Is it necessary to sear the steak first?

Searing locks in flavors and creates a caramelized crust, enhancing the overall taste.

What are good garnishes for this skillet?

Fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges add brightness and freshness to the dish.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Tender steak with crispy potatoes and Southwestern spices cooked in one pan for an easy meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage American (Southwest)

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No dairy, No gluten

Components

Meats

01 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

01 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 1 small red onion, diced
04 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
06 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tsp chili powder
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp dried oregano
05 1/2 tsp salt
06 1/2 tsp black pepper

Others

01 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
02 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
03 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Phase 01

Sear Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak cubes lightly with salt and pepper, then sear for 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Phase 02

Cook Potatoes: Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add quartered baby potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and just tender.

Phase 03

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, incorporate diced red bell pepper, red onion, corn kernels, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.

Phase 04

Season Vegetables: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.

Phase 05

Combine and Cook: Return seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir well and cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes until steak reaches preferred doneness and the mixture is heated through.

Phase 06

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Free from major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans. Check processed ingredients for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 32 g