This hearty dish of ground beef and potatoes is warm and comforting! It’s a perfect blend of tender beef and soft potatoes that will make your taste buds sing.
It’s super easy to whip up, and leftovers are like a tasty little gift for lunch the next day. Trust me, you’ll want to go for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great. For a vegetarian alternative, try using plant-based ground meat or lentils.
Potatoes: I used Russet potatoes for their fluffiness, but you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture. Sweet potatoes could be a fun twist and add a hint of sweetness.
Bell Pepper: Red or yellow bell peppers give sweetness to the dish. If you want a bit more heat, consider using jalapeños or green peppers instead. You can also skip it if you don’t have any on hand!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic here, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a zesty kick. If you want a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese.
Olive Oil: You could substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil if that’s what you have. I find olive oil gives a lovely flavor, so I prefer to stick with it.
How Do I Make Sure the Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the potatoes right is key to this dish. To ensure they’re tender, cut them into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Start by cooking them covered to trap steam, which speeds up cooking time.
- Add potatoes after browning the beef and spices, and give everything a good mix.
- Cover the skillet and turn the heat to medium-low. This allows the potatoes to steam and soften.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (about 2-3 cups)
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll be spending roughly 45 minutes from start to finish. A delightful and hearty meal that comes together quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This adds a lovely flavor base to your dish!
2. Add Garlic and Bell Pepper:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper into the skillet. Cook these for another 2 minutes until they soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat in the skillet, you can drain that off.
4. Stir in the Potatoes and Spices:
Once the beef is browned, mix in the diced potatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. This is where all that delicious flavor starts to blend!
5. Cook the Potatoes:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring for even cooking, until the potatoes are fork-tender. This means they should be soft enough to poke easily with a fork.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Once the potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. If you like, garnish with some fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet with family or friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as ground turkey may cook faster than beef. Look for a similar browning to ensure it’s fully cooked!
What If I Don’t Have Paprika or Cumin?
No problem! If you don’t have paprika or cumin on hand, you can substitute with chili powder or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. Just use about the same amount (1 tsp) to keep the seasoning balanced!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, corn, or even frozen peas work well. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them with the diced potatoes so they cook evenly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the skillet over low heat, or microwave in a bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through. Enjoy all over again!
