Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This Southwest-inspired skillet features tender cubed steak seared to perfection alongside golden, crispy baby potatoes. Colorful vegetables like red bell pepper, corn, and red onion meld with a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to create vibrant, smoky flavors. Cooked all in one pan with olive oil, this dish is garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to add a bright, fresh finish. Ideal for a quick and satisfying main meal with a balance of protein and seasoned vegetables.

Optional jalapeño adds heat while keeping the dish gluten-free and hearty. Just sear the steak, cook the potatoes until tender, sauté vegetables with spices, then combine and finish cooking briefly together. A perfect skillet meal full of Southwest flair and bold taste.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 08:08:00 GMT
Steaming Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak and colorful vegetables piled high. Pin
Steaming Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak and colorful vegetables piled high. | grillandbites.com

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

I first made this skillet meal on a busy weeknight when I craved something hearty but didn&t want a pile of dishes. The mix of steak, potatoes, and spices was such a hit, we&ve added it into our regular dinner rotation ever since.

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 more for steak
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, plus more for steak
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp, divided
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime: 1, 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 steak cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove steak and set aside.
Cook the potatoes:
Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until golden and just tender.
Add vegetables:
Add red bell pepper, red onion, corn, jalapeño (if using), and garlic. 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. Stir to coat evenly.
Finish the skillet:
Return steak and juices to the skillet. Stir and cook another 3–5 minutes, until steak reaches desired doneness and everything is heated through.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Golden, crispy potatoes are visible within the delicious Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet recipe. Pin
Golden, crispy potatoes are visible within the delicious Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet recipe. | grillandbites.com

One night, my family gathered around the table and devoured every last bite, going back for seconds. Seeing everyone reach for more always reminds me why I love sharing homemade meals.

Serving Suggestions

Try topping with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Pair with a crisp green salad or warm tortillas to complete the meal.

Ingredient Swaps

You can substitute sweet potatoes for baby potatoes, or use canned corn if fresh isn&t available. Make it vegetarian by swapping steak for black beans or mushrooms.

Nutritional Information

Each serving is approximately 410 calories, with 17 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein. A filling meal that fits a gluten-free diet.

A close-up of a sizzling Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet, ready to serve with fresh lime wedges. Pin
A close-up of a sizzling Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet, ready to serve with fresh lime wedges. | grillandbites.com

This skillet is big on flavor and short on cleanup. Enjoy a taste of the Southwest made simple in just one pan!

Recipe FAQ

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 substituted depending on preference.

Can I use frozen corn in this skillet?

Yes, frozen corn works well and can be added directly to the skillet along with the other vegetables.

How can I increase the spice level?

Add extra minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable mixture for more heat.

What’s the best way to get crispy potatoes?

Cook the quartered baby potatoes in olive oil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until golden and tender.

How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Can this dish be modified for a vegetarian meal?

While the current version focuses on steak, substituting with plant-based protein or extra vegetables can create a satisfying vegetarian option.

Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Tender steak combined with crispy potatoes and bold Southwestern spices for a hearty, easy-to-make dinner.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Overall duration
45 min


Skill level 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 ½ tsp smoked paprika
04 ½ tsp dried oregano
05 ½ tsp salt
06 ½ tsp black pepper

Others

01 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
02 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
03 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Sauté Vegetables: Stir in red bell pepper, red onion, corn, jalapeño if using, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables soften.

Phase 04

Add Spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over vegetables. Stir to evenly coat.

Phase 05

Combine and Finish Cooking: Return steak and juices to skillet. Stir well and cook 3–5 minutes until steak reaches desired doneness and ingredients are heated through.

Phase 06

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains no major allergens but check processed ingredients such as spices and corn for cross-contamination.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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