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Easy 30-Minute Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

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A quick, one-pan weeknight meal featuring crispy russet potatoes and savory ground beef, finished with melted cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for busy evenings and offers a comforting, crowd-pleasing flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced
  • 2 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: Peel and cube the potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, dice the onions, and mince the garlic.
  2. Start the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Season with half the salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned (4-5 minutes), draining excess grease but leaving about a tablespoon.
  3. Sauté the onions: Push beef to the side or remove temporarily. Add diced onions to the pan and cook until softened and translucent (3 minutes).
  4. Cook the potatoes: Add potato cubes to the pan with the onions. Toss in the fat and juices. Spread in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to form a crust, then stir and repeat until tender but still firm (10 minutes).
  5. Combine and season: Mix potatoes back with the beef. Add minced garlic, cumin, and remaining spices. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure potatoes crisp up rather than steam. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes to prevent burning. If using leaner beef, add a teaspoon of butter to prevent sticking. Potatoes can be tested for doneness with a fork before combining with beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, potato skillet, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, quick recipes, comfort food, easy dinner, cast iron skillet

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