This cozy dish combines hearty ground beef and tender potatoes for a satisfying meal everyone will love. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I enjoy making this one-pot wonder on busy days. Just brown the beef, add the potatoes, and let it simmer—easy peasy! Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, if there’s any! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish. You can use lean beef to keep it lighter or a fattier blend for more flavor. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken are ok alternatives for a leaner meal.
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon gold potatoes for their fluffy texture. If you’re looking to cut carbs, cauliflower can be a great substitute—just chop it smaller and adjust the cooking time!
Bell Peppers: Using mixed colors adds a nice visual touch, but any color will work. If you’re out of bell peppers, zucchini or even frozen mixed vegetables can substitute well.
Cheese: Cheddar is easy to melt and adds a rich flavor. You could also try Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or Pepper Jack for a little kick, depending on your taste.
How Do I Get My Potatoes Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the potatoes properly is key to this skillet dish. You want them tender and golden, without being mushy. Start by cutting the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- After heating the olive oil, add the diced potatoes to the skillet in a single layer if possible.
- Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps them brown nicely.
- Once they are tender, it’s time to add the other ingredients!
Don’t rush the process; the longer you let them develop that golden color, the tastier they’ll be!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet dish takes about 30-35 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking the potatoes, and then it’s all quick and easy as you add the rest of the ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become tender and have a nice golden brown color, so keep an eye on them!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
After the potatoes are starting to soften, push them to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes until you can smell the garlic and the onion becomes translucent. This will add great flavor!
3. Add Ground Beef and Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Just break it up with a spatula and add it to the skillet. Sprinkle the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the beef, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
4. Mix in the Bell Peppers:
Next, stir in the diced bell peppers. Cook everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers become tender. You’ll love how colorful and tasty this looks!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef and potato mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. Mmm, so good!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if you’d like, and serve it warm. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a delicious sweetness and a bit of color to the dish. Just dice them the same way as regular potatoes and cook them for a little longer if needed, since they can take a bit longer to become tender.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or to accommodate dietary preferences, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can work well! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as these alternatives may cook faster than beef.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
