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Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

cozy cheesy ground beef and potato skillet - featured image

A warm and comforting skillet dish featuring melty cheese, tender potatoes, sautéed bell peppers, and savory ground beef, perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 3 medium potatoes (about 1 pound or 450g), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 1 large red or orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (about 170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice the bell pepper and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in your skillet. Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until golden and tender. If sticking occurs, add a splash of water and cover for a few minutes to steam through.
  3. Push potatoes to the side and add the remaining olive oil. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened but still vibrant. Add garlic during the last minute to avoid burning.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  5. Mix everything in the skillet so potatoes, peppers, onions, and beef are evenly distributed. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately.

Notes

To get crispy potatoes, ensure the pan is hot and avoid overcrowding. Cover the skillet at the end to melt cheese evenly. Season ground beef and veggies separately for layered flavor. Variations include swapping beef for mushrooms or lentils for vegetarian, using sweet potatoes for fall flavors, or adding jalapeños for spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef skillet, cheesy potato skillet, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy skillet recipe, bell peppers, cheddar cheese