This cozy dish of ground beef and potatoes is a hearty meal that’s perfect for any day. It combines seasoned beef with tender, fluffy potatoes that soak up all the delicious flavors!
You can make it your own by adding veggies like carrots or peas. Honestly, I love how easy it is—I just throw everything together in one pot for a simple, satisfying dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to reduce grease and fat in the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based crumbles can also work well for a vegetarian choice.
Potatoes: I used medium russet potatoes for their fluffy texture, but you can use red or Yukon gold potatoes. For a lower-carb alternative, consider using cauliflower as a substitute.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color, but feel free to use green peppers for a sharper taste. Zucchini or mushrooms can also be a good addition or replacement if you’re looking for variety.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its melty goodness, but crumbled feta or pepper jack can add a different flavor kick. If dairy-free is your preference, look for vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a fresh finish. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can make excellent substitutes.
How Do You Cook Potatoes Perfectly in a Skillet?
Cooking the potatoes well is one of the crucial steps for this dish. The goal is to have them soft and slightly golden. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to cook the potatoes evenly without burning.
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This helps create a nice golden crust.
Keep an eye on them to check for doneness. You should be able to fork them easily after about 10 minutes. Cooking them a bit longer can give a delicious crispy edge!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet takes about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and chopping your ingredients, and then about 15-20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and tasty meal, perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced potatoes. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. You want them to be a little golden but not fully cooked yet.
2. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these with the potatoes for another 2-3 minutes until the onion looks translucent. This will give your dish a wonderful flavor!
3. Browning the Ground Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Push the potato mixture to one side of the skillet, and add the beef to the empty side. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the meat is cooked through!
4. Mixing in the Veggies and Seasoning:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, and cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are tender and everything is heated through.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of your skillet mixture. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your delicious dish with chopped cilantro. Serve it warm and enjoy your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet with family or friends!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meats for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may slightly vary, so monitor until the meat is fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Potatoes?
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, try using cauliflower or zucchini instead of potatoes. Simply chop them into small pieces and adjust cooking times—cauliflower may need a bit longer, while zucchini cooks faster, so add them later!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to reheat, it’s best to do so on the stovetop for even heating, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate veggies like corn, peas, or even spinach. Just add them along with the bell peppers to ensure they cook through and blend nicely with the other flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed!
