Description
This Irresistible Chipotle Beef Potato Bowls recipe delivers a bold and smoky flavor profile perfect for meal prep success. Ground beef is cooked with spicy chipotle peppers, smoky paprika, and cumin, then served over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potato halves. Topped with cheddar cheese, avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this dish combines hearty, satisfying ingredients with a southwestern flair, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Potato Base
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (or 4 roasted potatoes, halved)
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to deepen the flavor without burning the garlic.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the mixture from becoming greasy.
- Season and Simmer: Mix in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors and simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and infuse the beef.
- Prepare Potatoes: Warm the mashed potatoes or roasted potato halves until heated through, either on the stovetop or microwave.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the warmed potatoes evenly into four bowls as the base layer.
- Add Beef Topping: Spoon the chipotle beef mixture over the potatoes, distributing it evenly among the bowls.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream if desired, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the layers of comforting and smoky flavors.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey.
- Roasted potatoes offer a firmer texture, while mashed potatoes create a creamier base.
- Sour cream and avocado are optional but add cooling contrast to the spicy beef.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the heat level.
- This recipe can be made in advance and reheated for easy meal prep.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
