This hearty dish combines tender ground beef with soft potatoes, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day. It’s simple to make and packed with flavors!
I love how this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Sometimes, I even add some cheese on top—just to make it even better! What’s your secret touch? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based ground beef is also a great alternative for a meatless version.
Potatoes: Standard potatoes work well here, but you can try sweet potatoes for a twist. They add a lovely sweetness and nutritional boost. If you need a low-carb option, zucchini or cauliflower can be used instead.
Bell Pepper: Any color of bell pepper works! I like using red or yellow for their sweetness, but green is great if you prefer a more bitter flavor. You could also swap in other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for variety.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella can work nicely. For a dairy-free option, there are many vegan cheeses on the market that melt well.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
Cooking the potatoes well is key to a successful skillet dish. Start by cutting them into even-sized pieces. This helps them cook uniformly. Use medium heat to prevent burning while allowing enough time for tenderness.
- Heat the olive oil and add the diced potatoes, cooking them for about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, checking for tenderness. A fork should slide in easily.
- If they’re browning too fast, lower the heat slightly. You can always cover the skillet to steam them a bit!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and hearty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and filling meal that’s perfect for any busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced potatoes. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to become tender and lightly golden. You want them soft enough to eat but with a little bit of crispiness too!
2. Adding Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced red onion and bell pepper. Cook these together for about 5 minutes until the veggies are softened. Stir them around to mix the flavors!
3. Browning the Beef:
Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, mixing it with the veggies later.
4. Adding the Seasonings:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will enhance all the delicious flavors!
5. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It should look gooey and irresistible!
6. Finishing Touches:
Take the skillet off the heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm. This dish is great on its own, or you can pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad. Enjoy your comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. If you’re using a leaner meat like turkey or chicken, you might want to add a little more olive oil to keep it moist.
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your spice labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives. You can also use gluten-free cheese options if you’re sensitive to gluten.
Can I Prepare This Skillet in Advance?
Yes, you can! Cook the skillet mixture ahead of time, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a touch of water or broth if it seems dry.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. If you’re looking for something heartier, serve it with warm tortillas or crusty bread!
