Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Featured in: Simple Comfort Plates

This hearty skillet features tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection alongside golden baby potatoes. Red bell peppers, red onions, fresh corn, and a hint of jalapeño add vibrant texture. The blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano creates a deep Southwestern flavor that's balanced by a fresh cilantro garnish and a squeeze of lime. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, it delivers a satisfying meal rich in protein and spices.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:05:00 GMT
Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet sizzling with browned steak, tender potatoes, and colorful peppers. Pin it
Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet sizzling with browned steak, tender potatoes, and colorful peppers. | freshymeals.com

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

I first made this meal after a busy workday when I wanted something filling and bold but quick to pull together. The aroma of chili powder and cumin brought everyone into the kitchen, eager to dig in, and it became a weeknight staple.

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 for seasoning steak
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp plus extra for seasoning steak
  • 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 steak cubes and 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 bell pepper, red onion, corn, jalapeño (if using), and garlic to skillet. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Season:
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper over vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
Finish and Serve:
Return steak and any juices to skillet. Stir well and cook 3–5 minutes, until steak reaches desired doneness and dish is heated through. Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
This Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet recipe shows a delicious, hearty meal served with fresh cilantro. Pin it
This Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet recipe shows a delicious, hearty meal served with fresh cilantro. | freshymeals.com

This skillet has become a favorite at family get-togethers. Everyone loves to pile their plate, squeeze on fresh lime, and share stories around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Large skillet, cutting board, chef's knife, wooden spoon or spatula.

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 410 calories, 17 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein.

Enjoy a steaming, flavorful Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet, ready to eat with a squeeze of lime. Pin it
Enjoy a steaming, flavorful Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet, ready to eat with a squeeze of lime. | freshymeals.com

This Southwest skillet makes dinner effortless but feels special every time. Serve hot straight from the pan and enjoy with those you love.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of steak works best?

Sirloin steak cut into cubes is ideal for even cooking and tenderness in this skillet.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne increases the heat intensity to your liking.

How should the potatoes be prepared?

Baby potatoes are quartered and cooked until golden and tender for the perfect texture.

Are there suitable alternatives for the steak?

Flank or strip steak can substitute sirloin while maintaining great flavor and texture.

What garnishes enhance the dish?

Fresh cilantro and lime wedges add brightness and fresh contrast to the bold spices.

Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Tender steak and crispy potatoes combined with vibrant Southwestern spices for a flavorful skillet dish.

How long to prep
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Overall time
45 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Simple Comfort Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American (Southwest)

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details No dairy, No gluten

What you need

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 (for garnish)
03 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Steps to follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook the 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.

Step 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 soften.

Step 04

Season the vegetables: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper over the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 05

Combine steak with vegetables: Return the seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until steak reaches desired doneness and mixture is heated through.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges for squeezing.

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify processed ingredients for cross-contamination risk.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 410
  • Fat content: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein amount: 32 g