Lunch Box Series: Southwest Ground Beef and Crispy Potatoes

This meal is pure comfort—flavorful, protein-packed, and balanced with just the right amount of carbs. If you’re working out, trying to increase your protein intake, or simply looking for a satisfying meal, Southwest Ground Beef and Crispy Potatoes is the perfect option.

Why I Prefer Food Prep Over Meal Prep

I don’t meal prep in the traditional sense, but I do food prep—it’s a game-changer if you want homemade meals without the hassle. Here’s how I make it work:

✔️ Prep your produce – Wash, dice, and store veggies so they’re ready to go.

✔️ Prepare your protein – Cut, season, and marinate meat ahead of time. When it’s time to cook, you just toss it in the pan or air fryer.

✔️ Plan your week – Make a grocery list based on your meals. Buying only what you need saves time and money and prevents food waste.

Food prep takes less than an hour but makes a huge difference in keeping meals quick, easy, and homemade—no expensive meal kits required!

I always make two portions: one for myself and one for my husband. Sharing a meal makes it even more special!

You can read more in my first Lunch Box post.

This series is all about making lunch exciting and practical, whether you’re on the move or working from home like me. Stay tuned for more fun ideas, and happy cooking!

What do you pack in your lunch box? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for fresh ideas!

Just to add a note: I love glass containers. If you have plastic, I would replace it with the glass or ceramic option. Here are a few that I found on Amazon. You can buy them anywhere, but if you are an Amazon user/shopper, check it out:

• 8 Pack Glass Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids

• Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids

• Soup Bowls with Lids: 4, 5, 6 Inch Lunch Containers with Lids

• 2pc FIKA One Kitchen Porcelain Ceramic Food Container with Glass Lid

Southwest Ground Beef and Crispy Potatoes

A simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for a balanced lunch.

Ingredients (2 servings)

Meat:

• ¼–½ lb ground beef (80/20)
• ½ can three-color beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup frozen green beans (or canned, drained)

Southwest Seasoning:

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste level)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)

Potatoes:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tbsp butter
• 12 baby potatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Extras:

• 2 eggs, scrambled

Instructions:

1️⃣  Cook the Potatoes:

• Wash and slice potatoes in half lengthwise, then cook potatoes in the water and salt for 15 minutes at medium-high temperature. You start counting from the point they boil. Take them out of the water and season them with salt and pepper.
• Place seasoned potatoes in the air fryer for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
• Add cooked baby potatoes to the buttery oil and sprinkle a bit of dried parsley. Stir until it is coated and set aside.

2️⃣  Cook the Beef:

• In another pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
• Add the three-color beans and green beans. Stir in all the Southwest seasoning. Add salt to taste and adjust the spiciness.
• Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

3️⃣  Scramble the Eggs:

• In a small pan, scramble the eggs to your preferred consistency.
• Then, mix with potatoes. This is optional, but I love mixing eggs with potatoes.

4️⃣  Assemble & Serve:

• Divide the crispy potatoes with eggs and Southwest beef into two lunch containers.
• Enjoy fresh or store in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal!

RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

• Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnut Holes

• Air-Fried BBQ Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, and Potstickers

• One-Pan Herb Crusted Roast Chicken and Vegetables

[lt_recipe name=”Southwest Ground Beef and Crispy Potatoes” servings=”2 SERVINGS” prep_time=”10M” cook_time=”45M” total_time=”55M” difficulty=”EASY” summary=”A simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for a balanced lunch.” print=”yes” image=”https://mugofreality.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Southwest-Ground-Beef-and-Crispy-Potatoes-Recipe.png” ingredients=”Meat:;¼–½ lb ground beef (80/20);½ can three-color beans, drained and rinsed;½ cup frozen green beans (or canned, drained);Southwest Seasoning:;1 tsp chili powder;1 tsp smoked paprika;1 tsp cumin;½ tsp garlic powder;½ tsp onion powder;½ tsp oregano;¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste level);¼ tsp black pepper;1 tsp salt (to taste);Potatoes:;1 tbsp olive oil;¼ tbsp butter;12 baby potatoes, halved;Salt and pepper, to taste;1 tsp dried parsley;Extras:;2 eggs, scrambled” ]Cook the Potatoes:;*Wash and slice potatoes in half lengthwise, then cook potatoes in the water and salt for 15 minutes at medium-high temperature. You start counting from the point they boil. Take them out of the water and season them with salt and pepper.;*Place seasoned potatoes in the air fryer for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.;Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.;Add cooked baby potatoes to the buttery oil and sprinkle a bit of dried parsley. Stir until it is coated and set aside.;Cook the Beef:;*In another pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.;Add the three-color beans and green beans. Stir in all the Southwest seasoning. Add salt to taste and adjust the spiciness.;*Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.;Scramble the Eggs:;*In a small pan, scramble the eggs to your preferred consistency. Then, mix with potatoes. This is optional, but I love mixing eggs with potatoes.;Assemble & Serve:;*Divide the crispy potatoes with eggs and Southwest beef into two lunch containers. Enjoy fresh or store in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal![/lt_recipe]