Go Back

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

A hearty, cheesy one-skillet dinner crafted for efficiency and flavor—this ground beef and potato medley is the epitome of comfort food. Perfectly balanced with tender vegetables, melted Cheddar, and a smoky hint of paprika, it comes together swiftly for weeknight ease. For those seeking a touch of heat, incorporate a dash of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce alongside the paprika. Finish with a fried egg or a spoonful of sour cream for added indulgence.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 lb. potatoes approximately 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions
 

  • Warm the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Distribute the diced potatoes in a single layer across the skillet and let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until their undersides begin to brown. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes without interference to deepen the color.
  • Shift the potatoes to one side of the skillet using a wooden spoon. On the opposite side, add the ground beef. Evenly season both the beef and potatoes with salt and pepper.
  • Break the beef apart with the spoon and spread it to cover its half of the skillet. Firmly press it down and allow it to cook for 4 minutes without stirring, occasionally tossing the potatoes.
  • If there's excessive fat rendered from the beef, spoon it out as needed.
  • Layer the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and paprika over the beef and potatoes. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined.
  • Continue cooking with periodic stirring until the vegetables are softened, the meat shows no trace of pink, and the potatoes are tender to the fork, approximately 3–4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, scatter the shredded cheese over the dish, and let the residual steam melt it. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.