The Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is pure comfort in a pan: golden, crispy-edged potatoes and savory ground beef all snuggled together with melty cheddar cheese, pops of bell pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s the kind of no-fuss, one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—weeknight dinner magic, whether you’re feeding the family or just craving something hearty, homey, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create deep, full-bodied flavor. Every item brings its own little magic, from the earthiness of potatoes to the sharp tang of cheddar. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’re already halfway to a seriously delicious loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet!
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Opt for 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful skillet, and brown it well for extra depth.
- Russet Potatoes (3 medium, diced): Their starchy heft creates irresistible crisp edges and creamy middles.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Sweet and savory, onion anchors the skillet and mingles into all the nooks and crannies.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild, earthy crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that aromatic, impossible-to-miss flavor boost!
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Smokiness adds subtle barbecue vibes and richness.
- Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon): A gentle herby lift that perks up all the savory notes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out and balancing every flavor.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): For just the right bit of warmth and complexity.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts luxuriously over everything—don’t skimp!
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes turn golden and brings everything together.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Bright and tangy, they wake up the finished dish.
- Sour Cream (¼ cup, optional): Dab it on top for creamy, cool contrast.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle for that eye-catching splash of green and freshness.
How to Make Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Get the Potatoes Perfectly Golden
Start by heating your olive oil in a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, scatter in your diced potatoes—this is where the skillet magic begins! Let them sear undisturbed for a few minutes, then stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, until they’re softening with those gorgeous crispy edges forming. Trust me, a bit of patience here pays off with velvety-inside, golden-outside perfection.
Step 2: Layer in Onion and Bell Pepper
Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper right on top of your potatoes. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then. This duo brings next-level aromas—your kitchen will start to smell incredible, and the veggies will turn glossy and just soft enough to blend seamlessly into the skillet’s comforting bite.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Push all the cooked veggies to one side of your skillet, giving them a little breathing room. Add your ground beef to the other side and break it up with a spoon. Let it sizzle and brown until there’s no pink left, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the beef separately lets it pick up those tasty caramelized bits—key for the best loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet!
Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together so all the layers can soak up those bold, smoky, herby flavors. Let it all cook for 2 to 3 more minutes—a little patience helps the spices bloom and coat every bite beautifully.
Step 5: Cheese It Up!
Turn off the heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, then cover your skillet with a lid. In just 2 minutes, the cheese will melt into gooey, golden greatness. The smell alone will have everyone gathering around the kitchen, ready to dig in!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Uncover and scatter sliced green onions and bright parsley over your loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet. Add big dollops of sour cream if you like (highly recommended). Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this cozy crowd-pleaser!
How to Serve Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference—think fresh parsley for color, a sprinkle of extra green onions, and a swoosh of sour cream on the side. If you’re feeling decadent, crumbled cooked bacon or even a drizzle of hot sauce will take your loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet right over the top.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies are the perfect partners to balance out the richness. Warm sourdough, fluffy biscuits, or even just some sliced pickles on the side offer a wonderful flavor foil and make the meal feel extra-complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet family-style right out of the pan for a rustic, homey vibe, or dish it up in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a bistro effect. Want to put a brunchy spin on things? Top with fried or poached eggs and a sprinkle of chives!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers completely, then scoop them into airtight containers. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and mingle even more as they rest, making this skillet just as tempting on day two.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet! Pack cooled portions in individual airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and keep in mind the potatoes may soften a bit—but the taste will still satisfy every comfort food craving.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, but covering the dish helps maintain moisture. If desired, add an extra sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Yukon Golds or red potatoes will work nicely and hold their shape well, though russets get the crispiest edges. Dice whatever potato you use so it cooks evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can totally skip the cheese and sour cream or use your favorite plant-based alternatives. The skillet will still be flavorful and hearty, and fresh herbs or avocado make great dairy-free garnishes.
How can I add extra veggies?
Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or corn—just add them along with the onions and peppers. Spinach or kale can be stirred in toward the end for a boost of greens without changing the classic comfort vibe.
What other proteins work for this skillet?
Ground turkey or chicken keep things leaner, and crumbled sausage delivers bold, breakfasty flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try cooked lentils or a crumbled plant-based ground alternative.
Can I make loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep most of the ingredients (dice veggies and potatoes, grate cheese) in advance, then cook everything fresh when you’re ready. Or, make the full skillet, cool, and reheat when needed—the flavors get even richer after a day in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly crowd-pleasing, give this loaded ground beef and potatoes skillet a try. It brings cozy, down-home goodness to your table with hardly any fuss, and it’s flexible enough to match your mood or whatever you have on hand. There’s a reason it’s always requested in my house—your crew will love it too!
Print
Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. With tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
Potatoes:
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until they soften and brown.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add onion and bell pepper, cook for 3-4 minutes. Push vegetables aside, add ground beef and cook until browned. Add garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Sprinkle cheddar cheese, cover, and let melt for 2 minutes. Top with green onions, parsley, and sour cream. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Serve with hot sauce for added kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
