Lu-Ann Simon January 1, 2026

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Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Name: Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or your choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions

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A skillet bubbling with sizzling beef, soft golden cubes of potato, and a ribbon of melted cheese fills the kitchen with a warm, savory aroma that feels like home. Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the kind of one-pan supper that makes weeknights feel special, while still being quick enough for busy evenings. Serve it with a crisp salad for a light contrast, or let it stand alone as a comforting, family-friendly main.

What Makes This Special

This Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet hits the sweet spot between hearty and simple, delivering robust, comforting flavors with minimal fuss. The contrast between the crisped edges of the potatoes and the tender, juicy bites of ground beef makes every mouthful interesting, while melted cheese and bright toppings finish it like a warm hug on a plate.

What makes this dish especially appealing

One pan from start to finish, which means fewer dishes and more time at the table
Flexible ingredients, so you can swap in what you have on hand or adjust to tastes
Crowd-pleasing flavor profile, with familiar comforts like potatoes and cheese

This recipe is forgiving, so it welcomes improvisation. If you want a lighter smoky note, you can swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch without overpowering the other ingredients.

What You’ll Need

Think of the ingredients as building blocks, each playing a role in flavor and texture. The potatoes provide a hearty base, ground beef delivers savory depth, the bell pepper and onion add freshness, and the cheese brings everything together in a gooey blanket. If you prefer, use a sharper cheddar for more punch, or a milder cheese for a subtler finish.

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or your choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions

If you enjoy robust beefy skillet meals, you might also like the Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, which carry similar savory notes in a handheld form.

Step by Step

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. You should smell the sweet onion and the warm garlic as they begin to shimmer in the oil.
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula and cooking until it is browned and no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks, and stir occasionally to create small, browned bits that add savory depth.
Stir in diced potatoes and bell pepper, mixing them well with the beef so they pick up the browned bits. Season again with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. The potatoes will begin to glisten from the pan juices.
Cover and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and edges are lightly crisped. You will see steam rise when you lift the lid, and the potatoes will soften while still holding shape.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer, about 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese should stretch when you lift the spatula, creating that irresistible gooey pull.
Serve hot, adding optional toppings like a dollop of sour cream and a scattering of sliced green onions for freshness and color. The dish should be warm, savory, and balanced by the cool tang of the toppings.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 25 to 30 minutes, Total ~ 40 to 45 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 700 per serving estimated

Plan Ahead

If you need to spread the work out, there are easy ways to prep in advance. Dice the potatoes and store them in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning, for up to 24 hours. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic, then place them in an airtight container so they are ready to sauté. Brown the ground beef ahead of time, cool it quickly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To finish later, reheat the browned beef in the skillet with a splash of water or oil, add the prepped vegetables and potatoes, then proceed with the cook time as directed. If you pre-melted the cheese for storage, add fresh shredded cheese at the end to preserve that just-melted texture.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, placing them in an airtight container. Stored this way, the skillet will keep well for 3 to 4 days. To freeze, spread cooled portions into a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months; label the container with the date.

When reheating, gently warm the skillet on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a tablespoon of water if the mixture seems dry, then cover to steam until heated through. For single servings, microwave on medium power in 45 second bursts, stirring between intervals for even warming. A fresh squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of green onions indicates the dish is still bright and lively, while a dull smell or off texture signals it is time to discard.

Perfect Pairings

Pairing this Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet with the right sides enhances the meal

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Steamed green beans tossed with lemon and a little olive oil
Buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread to scoop up the cheesy bits
A light pickle or fermented side, like quick pickled onions, for bright contrast
A comforting pasta side, such as Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, if you want a very indulgent spread

Make It Your Own

Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a canvas for flavor twists and dietary tweaks. Here are some personalizations to try

Swap proteins, use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter dish, keeping the same seasoning and cook times. These options brown well and carry spices nicely.
Add smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin for a warm, slightly smoky profile that complements the beef. This lifts the dish without needing additional toppings.
Stir in frozen corn or peas in the last few minutes of cooking for color and sweetness, they thaw and heat quickly.
Toss in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end until just wilted, it adds a fresh vegetal note and extra nutrients.
For a Mediterranean twist, finish with crumbled feta and chopped olives instead of cheddar, and add a squeeze of lemon.
If you want more heat, stir in diced jalapeño with the bell pepper, or finish with a dash of hot sauce at the table.
Replace cheddar with pepper jack for a spicier, melting finish, or use a smoked gouda for a deeper, richer cheese character.
Include turkey bacon cut into small pieces and crisped before adding the beef for a smoky, savory crunch, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter option that still gives that classic bacon sensation.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use medium heat for browning the beef, so you get caramelized flavor without burning the garlic. Adjust the heat if the pan seems to smoke.
Give potatoes enough space, stir occasionally but not constantly, so their edges can crisp and develop a golden color.
If potatoes are cooking unevenly, add a splash of water and cover briefly, the steam will help them cook through without drying out.
Taste and adjust salt at two stages, after the beef browns and again before serving, since flavors concentrate as the mixture reduces.
Let the skillet rest a few minutes after melting the cheese, it sets slightly and is easier to portion while still warm and melty.
Use a kitchen thermometer if you want to be precise, ground beef is safe at 160 F, but many cooks prefer leaner beef and slightly lower temperatures for juiciness, adjust to preference.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I prevent potatoes from sticking to the skillet?
Use a well-heated pan with enough oil to coat the bottom before adding potatoes, and do not overcrowd the pan. If they begin to stick, loosen them with a spatula and add a splash of water to lift the fond.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, the core ingredients are naturally gluten free, just check any pre-shredded cheeses or packaged seasonings for hidden gluten. Serve with naturally gluten free sides and you are all set.
What type of potato works best?
Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape nicely and develop a pleasant, buttery texture, while russets can be used but may fall apart more. Adjust cook time slightly if using large russets.
Is it okay to use lean ground beef?
Absolutely, lean ground beef works well and reduces the amount of excess fat you may need to drain. If you use very lean beef, add a touch more oil when sautéing the vegetables to keep the pan from drying.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, double in a very large skillet or use two pans to keep everything able to brown properly. Overcrowding will steam ingredients instead of letting them crisp.
How do I make it creamier without losing the skillet texture?
Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese off heat, after you melt the cheese, for a silky finish. Add gently and taste as you go so it enhances without overpowering.
Will leftovers reheat well?
Yes, leftovers reheat nicely and often taste even better after flavors meld overnight. Reheat gently to preserve texture, and refresh with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the kind of reliable, flavorful meal that turns an ordinary night into something memorable. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that feels indulgent without being fussy. Give it a try on a busy weeknight, and let the comforting aromas and gooey cheese bring everyone to the table. I hope you make it soon, and enjoy the warm, satisfying comfort it brings.

Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A hearty one-pan supper with ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or your choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Stir in diced potatoes and bell pepper, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until cheese melts, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream and green onions.