This comforting dish brings together tender ground beef and fluffy potatoes for a meal that’s hearty and satisfying. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love how easy it is to make this dish on a busy day. Just brown the beef, add the potatoes, and let everything cook together. Simple, tasty, and fills you right up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works great here, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead. They provide a similar texture at a lower fat content.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic choice for their buttery flavor. However, you can opt for red potatoes or even sweet potatoes if you’re after a unique twist.
Bell Peppers: Using both red and yellow bell peppers adds color and sweetness. If you only have green peppers, they’ll work too, but they can be a bit more bitter.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or even a pepper jack for an extra kick. If dairy is a concern, look for vegan cheese options available at most grocery stores.
Spices: The paprika and chili powder bring warmth to the dish. If you prefer mild flavors, you can reduce the chili powder or choose a mild paprika instead.
How Do I Get My Potatoes Perfectly Crispy?
Getting crispy potatoes can really elevate the dish. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with evenly diced potatoes to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Heat the oil in the skillet until it’s hot before adding the potatoes. This helps them sear.
- Let them cook without stirring too often; this allows a nice crust to form on the bottom.
- Season them while cooking to enhance the flavor, but avoid overloading them with salt at the beginning.
With this technique, your potatoes will turn out tender inside and crispy outside, making a delightful addition to your skillet! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or cheese blend)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet dish takes about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then cook everything together for about 20-25 minutes. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for a hearty family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced potatoes. Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fork-tender and nice and crispy.
2. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
Now, push the cooked potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
3. Browning the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of grease, feel free to drain any excess fat.
4. Adding the Bell Peppers:
Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers now. Cook everything together for another 3-5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright touch before serving. Enjoy your hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’re aiming for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness!
What to Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Potatoes?
If fresh potatoes aren’t on hand, frozen diced potatoes work great as a quick substitute! Just skip the initial cooking step and add them directly to the skillet after sautéing the onion and garlic. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly until heated through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Skillet?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you’re adding. Add quicker-cooking veggies like spinach toward the end to avoid overcooking!
