Southwest steak and potatoes

Featured in: One-Pot & Quick Meals

This skillet blends tender sirloin cubes with crisp baby potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cooked in olive oil until steak is seared and potatoes tender, it’s finished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for brightness. Perfect for a quick, flavorful main with a balance of textures and Southwest-inspired spices.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:43:00 GMT
Sizzling Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak, vibrant peppers, a flavorful one-pan meal. Save
Sizzling Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet with tender steak, vibrant peppers, a flavorful one-pan meal. | bakozy.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 when my family wanted something warm and substantial for our weekend dinner. There's something about the combination of juicy steak and golden potatoes that instantly brings everyone together around the 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
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • 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 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 the 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 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.
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 and finish:
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.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
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This skillet is always a hit for family dinners, especially when everyone helps themselves straight from the pan at the center of the table. Kids love creating their own servings with the vibrant toppings.

Required Tools

You'll need a large skillet, a cutting board, a chef's knife, and a sturdy spoon or spatula.

Allergen Information

No common allergens are present, but always verify processed items for safety.

Nutritional Information

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

Golden potatoes and juicy steak combine in delicious Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet, ready for serving! Save
Golden potatoes and juicy steak combine in delicious Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet, ready for serving! | bakozy.com

Serve this skillet straight from the pan with fresh cilantro and lime for a meal that's as inviting as it is delicious.

Recipe FAQ

What cut of steak works best?

Sirloin is ideal for this dish due to its tenderness and flavor, but flank or strip steak also work well when cubed.

How can I make the potatoes crispy?

Cook the quartered baby potatoes in olive oil over medium-high heat without overcrowding, stirring occasionally until golden and slightly crispy.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, increase jalapeño or add cayenne pepper for more heat, or reduce chili powder for a milder flavor.

What vegetables complement this dish?

Red bell pepper, red onion, and corn add sweetness and texture that balance the savory steak and potatoes.

How to serve the dish for best flavor?

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges to add brightness and a fresh finish to the rich, spiced skillet.

Southwest steak and potatoes

A savory skillet with juicy steak, golden potatoes, and bold Southwestern flavors.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American Southwest

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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
03 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 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 distribute the spices evenly.

Phase 05

Combine Steak with Vegetables: Return the seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until the 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 alongside lime wedges for added brightness.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Free from common allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans. Verify spices and corn for potential 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