This hearty dish combines tasty ground beef and fluffy potatoes, making it a filling meal everyone will love. It’s perfect for cozy dinners!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but smile. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love serving it with a side salad for a fresh touch. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for great flavor and juiciness. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even use lentils for a vegetarian twist!
Potatoes: Any starchy potato works well here, like russets or Yukon golds. If you prefer sweeter potatoes, go for sweet potatoes – they add a unique flavor and sweetness to the dish.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add sweetness, but feel free to use green peppers for more bite. You can also substitute with other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms if you have them on hand.
Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for its sharp taste, but you can use mozzarella for a milder flavor. A cheese blend works great, too! Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free option if you’re looking for a cheese substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your potatoes just right is essential. Start with evenly diced pieces, so they cook at the same rate. I recommend parboiling them for 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet to jump-start their cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat before adding the potatoes.
- Cook them for 10-12 minutes until they are golden and nearly tender. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Feeling adventurous? Toss in a sprinkle of herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes around 30-35 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes cooking the potatoes, followed by mixing in the other ingredients and cooking everything together. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add in the diced potatoes. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and get a nice brown color.
2. Adding Onions:
Next, toss the chopped onion into the skillet with the potatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring until the onions become tender and slightly translucent.
3. Mixing in the Peppers and Garlic:
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic along with the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Keep cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until the peppers are soft and everything is blended well.
4. Browning the Beef:
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the empty side. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until the meat is fully browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
5. Seasoning the Mixture:
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the spices are mixed throughout the meat and vegetables.
6. Melting the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet for about 2-3 minutes to help the cheese melt into a gooey delight.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
After the cheese has melted, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to add a burst of flavor. Serve hot on its own or enjoy with a side of your choice. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; for example, turkey might cook slightly faster than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika, or even a combination of paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a bit of smoky heat. If you’re out of both, try using a little cumin for added flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just be mindful of cooking times; softer veggies may need less time than potatoes and peppers. Adjust the cooking order if necessary!
