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Friends let me share one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinner heroes with you! This Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet has saved me on countless busy evenings. It's one of those magical one-pan meals that somehow manages to be both super simple and incredibly delicious. Plus it's the kind of comfort food that has everyone coming back for seconds!
Why This Recipe Never Fails Me
- So Quick: One pan and dinner's ready in no time perfect for those crazy weeknights!
- Totally Nutritious: We're getting protein iron and lots of veggies in one delicious dish.
- Flavor Packed: That combo of Worcestershire Dijon and spices? Pure magic!
- Make It Yours: Switch up the veggies change the spices it's super flexible.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I use lean but not too lean we want some flavor!
- Potatoes: Cut them into even cubes they'll cook up perfectly tender.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds such nice color and sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: My secret weapon for amazing flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Trust me on this one it adds such great tang.
- Spices: My favorite blend of smoked paprika garlic powder oregano salt and pepper.
- Hot Sauce: Optional but we love a little kick in our house!
Let's Make It Together
- First Up: Those Potatoes
- Get them nice and golden in some oil this is where all the good flavor starts! Once they're tender set them aside.
- Time for the Beef
- In goes the ground beef in the same skillet (hello flavor!). Add those peppers Worcestershire Dijon and all our spices.
- Bringing It All Together
- Now the potatoes go back in everything gets cozy together while it heats through.
- The Finish Line
- A sprinkle of green onions and dinner is served!
My Top Tips
- Don't Crowd Those Potatoes: Give them space to get golden it's worth the extra minute or two!
- About That Beef: I like 90% lean it's the sweet spot between flavor and healthy.
- Keep It Moving: If things start sticking just add a tiny drizzle of oil.
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Keeping Leftovers Fresh
- In the Fridge: Pop any leftovers in an airtight container they'll stay good for 3 days.
- Warming Up: I like using a skillet to reheat everything gets crispy again!
- Skip the Freezer: Those potatoes won't be happy after freezing trust me on this one.
Serving It Up
This is totally delicious on its own but sometimes I'll serve it with a quick salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all those amazing flavors. On really hungry nights we'll add some steamed veggies on the side too!
Make It Your Own
- Veggie Love: Sometimes I toss in zucchini mushrooms or handful of spinach.
- Switch Up the Protein: Ground turkey works great if that's more your style.
- Spice Adventures: Try adding chili powder or Italian seasoning for something different.
Good for You Too
You know what I love about this dish? It's not just tasty it's actually really good for you too! You're getting protein from the beef tons of nutrients from those potatoes and peppers and lots of energy to keep you going.
Your Questions Answered
- Different potatoes? Totally! Yukon Golds are amazing in this.
- Want more heat? Go wild with the hot sauce or add some diced jalapeños.
- Meal prep? You can definitely make this ahead just reheat when you're ready!
What Makes It Special
There's something about this combination that just works so perfectly. The potatoes get all tender and flavorful the beef is savory and delicious and everything comes together in the most satisfying way. It's like a hug in a skillet!
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Perfect for Busy Days
On those nights when you're running late and everyone's starving this recipe is your best friend. I can't tell you how many times it's saved dinner at my house! Plus cleanup is a breeze since it's all in one pan.
Kid-Approved
My kids absolutely love this dinner! I think it's because everything's so familiar and comforting. Sometimes I'll let them pick an extra veggie to add in it's a great way to get them excited about helping in the kitchen.
Perfect Partners
Want to make it a complete meal? We love having this with some roasted broccoli on the side or my super quick garlic green beans. A simple cucumber salad adds such nice freshness too!
Spice It Your Way
In our house we like it with a good kick of heat but when the kids' friends are over I'll keep it mild. That's what's so great about this recipe you can totally adjust the spice to suit everyone's taste!
Tools You'll Need
My cast iron skillet is my go-to for this recipe but any large heavy pan will work great. The key is using something that heats evenly and gives you plenty of room to stir everything together.
Why You'll Make This Again
I guarantee this is going to become one of your go-to recipes! It's just so easy reliable and everybody loves it. Plus you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now!
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A Healthier Twist
Sometimes I'll use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. It gives everything a slightly different flavor and adds some extra nutrition too!
Lunch Box Hero
This recipe reheats so beautifully! I often make extra just so we can have leftovers for lunch the next day. It's like a little gift to my future self!
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet is one of those recipes that proves good food doesn't have to be complicated. It's simple ingredients a few easy steps and you've got a dinner that everyone will love. Give it a try I know it'll become a favorite in your house too!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different potatoes?
- While Yukon golds are recommended, you can use any potato variety. Just ensure they're cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- → How can I serve leftovers?
- Leftovers make a great breakfast hash - recrisp in a skillet and top with a fried egg. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → Can I make this spicier?
- Yes, add more hot sauce to taste. You can also adjust the heat level by choosing different types of hot sauce or adding red pepper flakes.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. You can add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- → Why shouldn't I freeze this dish?
- Freezing isn't recommended as potatoes can become mealy when thawed, affecting the texture of the dish.