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 mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
- 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
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.