Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in this recipe and add a wonderful nutritional boost along with their natural sweetness. They typically cook a bit faster than regular potatoes, so keep an eye on them and adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Why aren't my potatoes getting crispy?

The most common culprits are overcrowding the pan, having the heat too low, or stirring too frequently. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding ingredients, don't crowd the pan, and resist the urge to stir constantly to allow proper browning.

Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes! These potatoes hold up well for meal prep. Cook them fully, let cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They're delicious cold in breakfast burritos or reheated in a skillet to regain some crispness.

How can I make this a complete one-pan meal?

Add protein right to the skillet! Brown some ground beef, turkey, or chorizo before adding the potatoes, or stir in some black beans during the final few minutes of cooking. Top with cheese, let it melt, and you've got a complete meal.

Southwestern Skillet Potatoes Recipe

Name: Southwestern Skillet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil; 1½ pounds potatoes, diced and unpeeled; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color; a mix of red and green is recommended); ½ white or yellow onion, diced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika

This Southwestern Skillet Potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed side dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, these potatoes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner – they’re versatile enough to complement almost any meal while bringing a delicious southwestern flair to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From cutting board to table in just 30 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need something substantial without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: Works brilliantly as a breakfast side with eggs, a lunch accompaniment, or a dinner staple alongside your favorite protein.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
Customizable: The perfect canvas for adding your personal touch – make it spicier, cheesier, or loaded with additional veggies based on what you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Potatoes: The star of the show – I recommend yellow or gold potatoes for their buttery flavor and perfect texture that crisps beautifully while staying tender inside. No need to peel them; the skins add texture and nutrients!
Bell Peppers: Add sweetness, color, and nutritional value. Using a combination of red and green creates a beautiful color contrast and flavor balance.
Onion: White or yellow onions provide that essential aromatic base that makes everything taste better. They caramelize slightly during cooking, adding depth of flavor.
Oil: Use olive or avocado oil for their flavor profiles and heat stability. The oil helps create that gorgeous brown crust on your potatoes.
Salt and Pepper: The foundation of good seasoning – don’t skimp here!
Garlic Powder: Adds that savory depth without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic in high-heat cooking.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more pronounced southwestern flavor profile.

Make It Loaded

Top your finished potatoes with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon for a loaded potato experience.

Breakfast Version

Add scrambled eggs and chopped cooked bacon or sausage during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete one-skillet breakfast.

Veggie Boost

Incorporate other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to transform this side dish into a more substantial vegetable medley.

How to Make Southwestern Skillet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Heat

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding ingredients – this is key for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add your diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions to the hot skillet. Spread them in an even layer if possible to maximize contact with the hot surface. Let them cook, stirring occasionally (not constantly!) for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes develop those beautiful brown edges.

Step 3: Season

Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the potato mixture. Stir everything to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the skillet.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Once your potatoes have nice browning on the outside, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and cover the skillet. This creates a steamy environment that helps the potatoes cook through to tender perfection without burning the exterior. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Final Touch

Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Maybe add an extra pinch of salt or a bit more paprika for color. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dice Consistently: Try to cut your potatoes into uniform pieces (around 1/2-inch cubes) so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: If doubling the recipe, either use a larger pan or cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than browning.
Be Patient: Let the potatoes sit undisturbed for a minute or two between stirs to allow proper browning. Stirring too frequently prevents caramelization.
Hot Pan Start: Make sure your oil and pan are properly heated before adding ingredients – this prevents sticking and promotes better browning.
Test for Doneness: Pierce a larger piece of potato with a fork. If it slides in easily, your potatoes are done.

How to Serve

Breakfast Pairings

Serve alongside fried or scrambled eggs with a side of fresh salsa and avocado slices for a hearty breakfast that will keep you fueled all morning.

Main Dish Accompaniment

These potatoes are fantastic next to grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or a juicy steak. The southwest flavors complement almost any protein.

Bowl Base

Use these potatoes as the base for a protein bowl topped with beans, grilled chicken or beef, avocado, and a drizzle of chipotle sauce.

Sauce Options

While delicious on their own, these potatoes taste even better with a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce for some extra heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!

Freezing

While you can freeze these potatoes, the texture may change slightly. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat leftovers in a skillet with a little oil. A 350°F oven works well too (about 10 minutes). Microwaving is convenient but will result in a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in this recipe and add a wonderful nutritional boost along with their natural sweetness. They typically cook a bit faster than regular potatoes, so keep an eye on them and adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?

The most common culprits are overcrowding the pan, having the heat too low, or stirring too frequently. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding ingredients, don’t crowd the pan, and resist the urge to stir constantly to allow proper browning.
Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes! These potatoes hold up well for meal prep. Cook them fully, let cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re delicious cold in breakfast burritos or reheated in a skillet to regain some crispness.
How can I make this a complete one-pan meal?

Add protein right to the skillet! Brown some ground beef, turkey, or chorizo before adding the potatoes, or stir in some black beans during the final few minutes of cooking. Top with cheese, let it melt, and you’ve got a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

These Southwestern Skillet Potatoes are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside eggs for breakfast, tucking them into burritos for lunch, or presenting them as a dinnertime side, they’re sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation. Their versatility, budget-friendly ingredients, and quick preparation make them perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend meals. Give this recipe a try – I’m confident these crispy, flavorful potatoes will find a permanent place in your recipe collection!