Description
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a quick, hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring perfectly browned potatoes, flavorful lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish combines simple ingredients into a comforting, satisfying skillet dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 lb. potatoes (about 2 medium), cut into ½ inch dice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Pantry
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 1 and ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking potatoes and ground beef.
- Brown the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes in a single layer to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom. Then stir and let cook undisturbed again for another 2 minutes to achieve a deeper browning.
- Separate skillet sides: Use a wooden spoon to push the browned potatoes to one side of the skillet, creating space for the ground beef on the other side.
- Add and season ground beef: Place the lean ground beef on the empty side of the skillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over both the potatoes and beef. Break up the beef with the spoon and spread it out to cover its side evenly. Press down lightly with the spoon.
- Cook the beef: Cook the ground beef undisturbed for about 4 minutes while occasionally stirring the potatoes to prevent burning. This allows the beef to brown nicely.
- Drain excess fat (optional): If desired, scoop out any excess fat that has rendered from the beef to reduce greasiness.
- Add vegetables and spices: On top of both the potatoes and beef, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Flip and stir everything together until mixed evenly.
- Cook until tender: Continue cooking while stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften, the beef is fully cooked (no pink), and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Turn off the heat and sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover or let stand so the steam can melt the cheese. Top with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Using a non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Feel free to substitute bell pepper with any other favorite vegetable like zucchini or mushrooms.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and drain excess grease if needed.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cumin along with the paprika.
- This skillet dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
