Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings comfort food right to your table. It’s a one-pan recipe that combines hearty ingredients, making it perfect for a family dinner or a quick weekday meal. With tender pieces of beef, flavorful spices, and golden potatoes, this dish is sure to please everyone!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it is simple and quick to prepare, making it great for busy nights. Second, it uses common ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, saving you a trip to the store. Third, this dish is versatile; you can easily customize it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Finally, it’s a complete meal, so you don’t need to worry about making side dishes!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Follow these easy steps to make this hearty dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound potatoes (about 2 medium, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed until lightly browned underneath, about 2 minutes. Stir and cook undisturbed for another 2 minutes to brown more.
- Add ground beef, using a wooden spoon to move potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add beef to the other side, then sprinkle both potatoes and beef evenly with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Press down lightly with the spoon and cook for 4 minutes undisturbed while stirring potatoes occasionally.
- If desired, scoop out any excess fat that has accumulated from the beef.
- Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika on top of potatoes and beef. Stir until everything is evenly mixed together.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, beef is no longer pink, and potatoes are fork-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese and top with chopped green onions before serving.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Serve the Ground Beef and Potato Skillet hot, right from the pan. You can add a sprinkle of extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely. Then transfer the dish to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or heat it on the stove until warmed through.
Tips to Make Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables you enjoy, like carrots or zucchini.
Variation (if any)
You can turn this dish into a casserole by adding beaten eggs and baking it in the oven. This variation adds a fluffy texture and makes it even heartier.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
2. What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for different flavors.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook them when you’re ready to eat. Just keep the vegetables and beef separate until cooking.
