This Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Dinner is a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and super simple to make! With tender ground beef and soft potatoes, it’s a comforting meal any night of the week.
I love how it all cooks in one pot—less mess to clean up! Plus, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. I often toss in some extra veggies for a colorful twist. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish and provides rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you might use turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian take, try crumbled tempeh or lentils.
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their texture. Sweet potatoes are a great substitute for a twist on flavor and added nutrients. Just adjust cooking time, as they might soften quicker.
Bell Peppers: I love red bell peppers for their sweetness. Feel free to mix in green or yellow peppers or even use diced zucchini or carrots to add more veggies!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a wonderful creaminess. If you want a different flavor, mozzarella or pepper jack work well too! You can skip the cheese if you’re aiming for a dairy-free meal.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your potatoes just right can be tricky, but it’s all about the cooking time! Start by cutting your potatoes into even dice, about half an inch, so they cook evenly.
- Heat oil and let it get hot before adding the potatoes. This gives them a nice crust.
- Cook on medium heat and be patient! Stir occasionally, but let them sit long enough to brown nicely.
- Check for doneness with a fork—if it goes in easily, they’re ready to come out!
That’s how you get soft and golden potatoes in your dish!
Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner will take around 30-40 minutes total! You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prepare your ingredients, and then around 20-25 minutes to cook everything up in one skillet. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, toss in another tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until they become soft, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure they’re nice and bright!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. This will give all your veggies a wonderful aroma.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef! Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to turn brown and be cooked through, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
5. Mix in Spices:
Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well so that the beef gets coated in the spices—this is what adds so much flavor!
6. Combine with Potatoes:
Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined and heated through.
7. Add Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat, then garnish your meal with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy your comforting ground beef and potatoes dinner!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may cook slightly faster and can dry out if overcooked. Season well to ensure great flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh, lentils, or even cooked quinoa for a vegetarian or vegan option. Use vegetable broth instead of oil and add plenty of spices to maintain that rich flavor.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also turn it into a delicious wrap or taco filling for a fun twist!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. Just chop them into small pieces and add them in with the onions and bell peppers to ensure they cook evenly!
