Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Featured in: Spicy Entrées

This dish features tender sirloin steak cubes seared to lock in juices, combined with golden baby potatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, corn kernels, and a touch of jalapeño. Spiced with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, it offers bold Southwestern flavors. Cooked all in one skillet with olive oil for a simple, flavorful, and hearty meal garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:46:00 GMT
Smoky Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak and colorful vegetables, ready to serve. Save
Smoky Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak and colorful vegetables, ready to serve. | pepperplume.com

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

I remember making this skillet on a busy weeknight. The aroma of sizzling steak and warm spices filled my kitchen. Everyone was drawn in by the inviting smell and vibrant colors, and it quickly became a family favorite.

Ingredients

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

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 and set aside.
Cook the Potatoes:
Add remaining olive oil to skillet. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until golden and just tender.
Add the 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.
Season and Combine:
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
Return Steak and Finish:
Return steak and any juices to the 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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Sharing this dish during a weekend get-together brought my family closer as we all enjoyed a warm, comforting meal, laughing and savoring each bite together.

Required Tools

Large skillet, cutting board, chefs knife, and a wooden spoon or spatula are essential for preparing this simple meal.

Allergen Information

No major allergens present but always check specific product labels, especially processed spices or corn, if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

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

A sizzling pan of Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with browned steak cubes and golden potatoes, so inviting. Save
A sizzling pan of Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with browned steak cubes and golden potatoes, so inviting. | pepperplume.com

Try this Southwest steak & potato skillet as a speedy dinner solution. Your family will ask for it again!

Recipe FAQ

What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin steak cut into cubes is ideal for even cooking and tenderness, but flank or strip steak can also be used.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, increase jalapeño or add cayenne pepper to enhance the heat according to your preference.

How do I ensure the potatoes cook properly?

Cook baby potatoes in olive oil over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until golden and tender before adding other ingredients.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

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

What garnish pairs well with these flavors?

Fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges complement the vibrant spices and add brightness to the dish.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored refrigerated and reheated gently in a skillet.

Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Tender steak and crispy potatoes mingle with vibrant Southwestern spices in this easy one-pan dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American (Southwest)

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations 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, for garnish
03 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 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 to coat evenly.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soybeans. Check spices and corn for 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