Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Featured in: Quick Flavor Pops

This Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet blends tender sirloin cubes with crisp baby potatoes and vibrant red bell pepper. Fresh corn, jalapeño, and aromatic garlic enhance the flavor alongside chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cooked together in olive oil, this one-pan meal is garnished with cilantro and lime for a satisfying dinner with minimal prep and fuss.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:17:00 GMT
A sizzling skillet of Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with browned steak and golden potatoes. Save
A sizzling skillet of Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with browned steak and golden potatoes. | fizznib.com

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

I discovered this recipe when I wanted a simple dinner that used just one skillet and packed a punch of flavor with juicy steak and veggies everyone loves.

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, plus extra to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, plus extra to taste
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp, divided
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime: 1 cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Sear 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.
Sauté 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.
Combine All:
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.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
This flavorful Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet features tender steak, colorful peppers, and smoky spices. Save
This flavorful Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet features tender steak, colorful peppers, and smoky spices. | fizznib.com

This was a huge hit when I brought it to a family picnic, and now it's a regular request for our weeknight dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or extra cilantro for even more flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

Swap out the steak for chicken or tofu for a different protein, or add black beans for extra plant-based goodness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Fresh cilantro garnishes a vibrant bowl of Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with lime wedges on the side. Save
Fresh cilantro garnishes a vibrant bowl of Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with lime wedges on the side. | fizznib.com

This meal comes together quickly with minimal cleanup and bursts with vibrant Southwestern flavor your family will love.

Cooking Guide

What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin steak is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor, but flank or strip steak can be used as alternatives.

How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Cut baby potatoes into quarters for uniform size, then sauté them in olive oil, stirring occasionally until golden and tender.

Can I adjust the spiciness of this skillet?

Yes, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or omit the jalapeño for a milder flavor.

What garnish complements the flavors best?

Fresh chopped cilantro adds brightness, while lime wedges provide a zesty finishing touch to balance the spices.

Is this dish gluten-free?

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

Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Tender steak, crispy potatoes, and Southwestern spices combined in a hearty one-pan dish.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Chloe Bennett


Complexity Easy

Heritage American (Southwest)

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Categories No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Meats

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

Vegetables

01 1 pound 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 teaspoons chili powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
04 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
05 ½ teaspoon salt
06 ½ teaspoon black pepper

Others

01 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
02 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
03 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cook Potatoes: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add quartered potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and just tender.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Add Seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper evenly over the vegetables. Stir well to combine.

Phase 05

Combine Steak and Finish Cooking: Return the steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until steak reaches desired 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.

Kitchen Tools

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

Sensitivity Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Free from major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans; verify processed ingredients for potential cross-contamination.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 32 g