This cozy dish combines hearty ground beef and tender potatoes in one pan. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor that warms you up from the inside out!
I love how easily it comes together—just brown the beef, add the potatoes, and let it simmer. Perfect for a family dinner or when you need a quick meal after a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier option, but you can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, try using crumbled tofu or lentils!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work well here because they get nice and fluffy when cooked. You can swap them for Yukon Gold for creaminess, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrients.
Bell Peppers: Feel free to mix and match the colors! Green bell peppers are just as good and can be cheaper. If you’re avoiding nightshades, zucchini or mushrooms are great alternatives that still add texture.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but a Mexican blend can bring a nice kick. For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk.
How Do I Cook the Potatoes Perfectly in a Skillet?
Cooking the potatoes evenly is key to this dish. Start by making sure they are uniformly diced so they cook at the same rate. It’s also important to monitor the heat while cooking.
- Heat the olive oil and add the potatoes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook them until they’re just beginning to soften before adding the other veggies. This will ensure they’ll be tender and perfectly cooked when served!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Skillet Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and cooking everything until it’s nice and delicious. Just a bit of stirring here and there, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the diced potatoes. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they get a little softer and start to turn golden. They should be tender but not mushy when you’re done!
2. Adding the Veggies:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and both the yellow and red bell peppers. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes. You’re looking for the veggies to be tender and colorful—just perfect for our dish!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef right in the center. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s nicely browned. Stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly.
4. Seasoning It Up:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, so that the spices get evenly distributed throughout the beef and veggies. This is where the flavor really starts to come alive!
5. Melting the Cheese:
Turn the heat down to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and get all ooey-gooey—yum!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, take the skillet off the heat. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your delicious dish warm. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose, so make sure it’s cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Potatoes?
If you want to change things up, sweet potatoes or cauliflower can be great alternatives! For sweet potatoes, dice them similarly and cook until tender. For cauliflower, use cauliflower rice and add it after cooking the meat to avoid overcooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have a lot left over, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw before reheating!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any packaged ingredients like shredded cheese, as some brands may contain gluten as a filler. Enjoy this dish worry-free!
