Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This one-pan skillet brings together tender sirloin steak cubes and crispy baby potatoes infused with vibrant Southwestern spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Sautéed peppers, onions, corn, and optional jalapeños add a fresh, lively touch. Olive oil sears the ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors. Garnished with cilantro and served with lime wedges, this dish delivers a flavorful, easy-to-make main course with gluten-free appeal and bold regional notes.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:16:00 GMT
Sizzling Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak, seasoned potatoes, and colorful peppers. Pin it
Sizzling Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak, seasoned potatoes, and colorful peppers. | smartyskitchen.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 dinner for a busy weeknight craving something bold but easy—and now it's a regular request at my table.

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 seasoning
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp plus more for seasoning
  • 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. 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 red bell pepper red onion corn jalapeño (if using) and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5 6 minutes until vegetables are softened
Add seasonings:
Sprinkle chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper over vegetables. Stir to coat evenly
Combine and finish:
Return steak and any juices to skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3 5 minutes until 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
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My whole family gets excited for this skillet—it brings us together after long days and there are never any leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm tortillas or a crisp side salad for a full Southwestern feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving: 410 calories 17 g fat 35 g carbohydrates 32 g protein.

Golden potatoes and juicy steak fill the skillet with this flavorful Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet. Pin it
Golden potatoes and juicy steak fill the skillet with this flavorful Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet. | smartyskitchen.com

Fresh lime and cilantro brighten every bite—try it for your next weeknight dinner!

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin steak cubes are preferred for their tenderness and quick cooking time, but flank or strip steak can be good alternatives.

Can I adjust the heat level in the skillet?

Yes, adding more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper increases the spice without overpowering the flavors.

How should the potatoes be prepared for best texture?

Quartered baby potatoes cook evenly to a golden crisp while remaining tender inside when sautéed properly.

What sides complement this hearty Southwest skillet?

A fresh salad or steamed vegetables balance the rich flavors, while lime wedges add a refreshing zest.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this skillet a safe option for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Tender steak and crisp potatoes blended with bold Southwestern spices in a hearty skillet meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American (Southwest)

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

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 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Others

01 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
02 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
03 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Add Spices: 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 and Vegetables: Return steak cubes along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until steak reaches desired doneness and ingredients are heated through.

Step 06

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Free from major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Verify processed ingredients for possible cross-contamination.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 32 g