This comfy dish of ground beef and potatoes is a classic! It features tender potatoes mixed with savory beef, creating a warm and filling meal.
I love how easy this recipe is! Just throw everything in one pot, and you’ve got a hearty dinner that tastes like home cooked goodness. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a healthier option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a delicious twist.
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their fluffiness, but you can also try Yukon Gold or red potatoes. If you want fewer carbs, swap with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lighter feel.
Bell Peppers: I picked yellow and red for their sweetness. Feel free to use green peppers if you prefer a slight bitterness, or mix in other colors based on your taste. Zucchini or mushrooms can also add a nice twist!
Cheese: Cheddar works great here, but don’t shy away from other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or even mozzarella. If you’re avoiding dairy, vegan cheese is a fantastic substitute too.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin add warmth, but you can adjust to your taste. Experiment with chili powder for some heat or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Skillet Meal with Ground Beef and Potatoes?
Cooking this dish is all about timing, especially with the potatoes. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by heating olive oil over medium heat and soften your onions first. This creates a flavorful base.
- Once the onions are translucent, add garlic—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- When browning the ground beef, break it up well. This ensures even cooking and that every bite is flavorful.
- After adding the potatoes, cover the skillet. This traps steam to help cook the potatoes quicker. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When adding the bell peppers, remember they need less time to cook than potatoes—just enough to soften them is perfect.
- Finally, adding the cheese and covering again helps it melt nicely for that gooey finish!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and then about 20-30 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This step sets a great foundation for the flavors in your dish.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute. Stir it around so it doesn’t burn. You want it to become aromatic and flavorful—this is what keeps your dish from tasting bland!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as you cook it. Keep stirring until the meat is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin while it cooks to add some yummy flavor!
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes into the skillet, mixing everything together well. Cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the potatoes cook evenly and become tender.
5. Add the Bell Peppers:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the diced yellow and red bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers soften a bit. They will add a nice crunch and sweetness to your dish!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of your skillet. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a splash of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just note that ground turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash of broth or a little more olive oil to keep it juicy while cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Bell Peppers?
No problem! You can use frozen bell peppers instead. Simply add them to the skillet frozen; there’s no need to thaw beforehand. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they heat through and get tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even spinach for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time based on how long those vegetables take to soften.
