This hearty dish combines tender ground beef and soft potatoes, making it a cozy meal perfect for any day. It’s a simple one-pot wonder that brings comfort food to your table!
I love how quick it comes together—just brown the beef, add the potatoes, and let it simmer. It’s great for busy evenings, and leftovers make for a fantastic lunch! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty but not overly greasy. If you want lighter options, turkey or chicken can work well too. For a vegetarian spin, try using lentils or an array of sautéed vegetables!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for this dish as they become fluffy when cooked. But if you’re looking for something different, sweet potatoes can add a nice sweetness. You can even use frozen diced potatoes for convenience.
Bell Peppers: I use red and yellow bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness, but green bell peppers are perfectly fine, too. You could also mix in other veggies like zucchini or corn to change things up!
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice and melts beautifully. If you’re after a stronger flavor, try pepper jack for a kick. Non-dairy cheese is also available for a vegan option if needed.
How Do I Cook the Potatoes to Make Sure They’re Perfectly Tender?
Cooking potatoes just right in this skillet can sometimes be tricky, but it’s key for a satisfying meal. You want the potatoes to be soft but hold their shape, so here’s what to do:
- Dice the potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. The smaller they are, the quicker they’ll become tender.
- When you add them to the skillet, make sure you give them enough time to cook. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Check with a fork after about 10 minutes; they should be soft enough to easily pierce but not falling apart.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and then 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s nicely browned. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it now. This gives your dish a leaner taste!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them in and cook until the onions become translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes and will make your kitchen smell wonderful!
3. Cook the Potatoes:
Now, it’s time to add the diced potatoes along with the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the potatoes get coated in those delicious spices. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender when you poke them with a fork.
4. Add the Bell Peppers:
After the potatoes are tender, toss in the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, so they soften just a bit but still retain some crunch. This gives your dish great color and flavor!
5. Melt the Cheese:
It’s time to get cheesy! Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Yum!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once the cheese is all melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious dish with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting one-pan meal with your family or friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that it may require a bit more seasoning since it’s leaner. You might want to add an extra pinch of salt and spices to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for a meat alternative like lentils or a plant-based ground meat. You can also add in some extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to keep it hearty and delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for optimal freshness!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add vegetables like spinach, corn, or even carrots. Just make sure to chop them small and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly!
