This hearty dish combines tender ground beef with soft, creamy potatoes for a filling meal. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners and is easy to whip up!
I love how everything cooks together in one pot. It means fewer dishes! Plus, who can resist the delicious smell of beef and potatoes cooking together? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A one-pound package of lean ground beef works great here. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try ground turkey or even ground chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Potatoes: I used medium russet potatoes for their fluffiness. Yukon Golds are also a good choice. If you’re in a pinch, frozen diced potatoes can save time, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Bell Peppers: I love using vibrant red and yellow bell peppers as they add sweetness. Feel free to swap in green bell peppers or any other color you have on hand, like orange or even jalapeños for a bit of spice.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a delightful flavor. If you want something different, try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. Vegan cheese can be a great dairy-free alternative.
How Do You Cook Potatoes Until They’re Perfectly Tender?
Getting potatoes just right can be tricky. To cook them perfectly, add them to the skillet early on, after the ground beef has browned. This way, they absorb the flavors while cooking. Here’s a quick guide:
- Dice your potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Add them after the beef is browned; stir well to combine with spices and onions.
- Cover the skillet for a few minutes to create steam that helps soften them.
- Check doneness by poking with a fork; they should feel tender 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
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for this recipe. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare, and then about 20 minutes to cook everything to perfection. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. This step adds a lovely flavor!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Let it brown for about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, feel free to drain it away for a leaner dish.
3. Add the Potatoes and Spices:
Now it’s time to mix in the diced potatoes, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for around 5-7 minutes. You want the potatoes to start softening up a bit.
4. Incorporate the Bell Peppers:
Add in the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Stir to combine and keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Once everything is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes. The steam will help melt the cheese perfectly!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your hearty skillet dish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve it up warm and enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just be aware that cooking times might vary a bit, especially with leaner meats, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked thoroughly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Bell Peppers?
No worries! You can use frozen bell peppers instead; just add them directly to the skillet without thawing. Alternatively, you can substitute with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or frozen mixed vegetables for a different twist!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat. You can add a splash of water to the skillet to prevent sticking and keep everything moist.
Can I Make This Skillet Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the beef and potato mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat it up in a skillet and add the cheese just before serving for that gooey finish. Enjoy your time-saving meal prep!
