Easy Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Comfort food takes center stage with this ground beef and potatoes skillet that promises a hearty meal in minutes.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this simple yet satisfying one-pan wonder.

Packed with rich flavors and tender ingredients, the recipe delivers a delicious solution for hungry families.

Bold spices and perfectly browned beef create a mouthwatering combination that sizzles with every bite.

Home cooks love how quickly this skillet comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.

The dish offers a perfect balance of protein and potatoes, making it a complete meal that fills empty stomachs and warms hearts.

Savor every delectable spoonful and enjoy a dinner that brings everyone to the table.

Why This Beef & Potato Skillet Is a Keeper

• Prepare an entire delicious meal using just one cast iron skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and simplifying your cooking process.
• Combine crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese for a mouthwatering dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Elevate simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a restaurant-worthy meal that will impress family and friends without complicated techniques.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheese varieties, adding different herbs, or incorporating additional vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

What’s in the Beef & Potato Skillet

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base that provides the main protein for the hearty skillet dish.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky element that enhances the overall taste of the recipe.

• Skim Milk, Cheddar Cheese: Create a creamy texture and add rich, tangy flavor to the dish.

• Mini Potatoes: Serve as the foundational starch layer that absorbs the delicious flavors.
• Dry Mustard, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Blend together to create a complex and savory seasoning profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides an extra depth of umami and savory notes to the ground beef.

• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, crisp finishing touch to the skillet meal.

How to Prepare This Beefy One-Pan Dish

Step 1: Sizzle The Bacon

Heat the oven to 400ºF.

Place bacon slices in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook until crispy and golden brown.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel, crumble it, and save a touch of bacon grease for extra flavor.

Step 2: Season And Brown The Beef

Keep a small amount of bacon grease in the skillet.

• Dry mustard
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Cook the beef until completely browned, stirring occasionally.

Splash in Worcestershire sauce during the final moments of cooking for a deep, rich taste.

Step 3: Create Potato Layers

Arrange thinly sliced mini potatoes in a single layer across the bottom of the skillet.

Cover potatoes with seasoned beef, then repeat the layering process to create a delicious potato and beef base.

Step 4: Pour And Sprinkle

Gently pour skim milk over the layered potatoes and beef.

Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the skillet.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-50 minutes until liquid reduces and cheese turns bubbly and slightly golden around the edges.

If needed, blot any excess grease with a paper towel.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Remove skillet from the oven and let it rest briefly.

Top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.

Serve hot and enjoy this mouthwatering comfort dish straight from the skillet!

Skillet Tips for Flavorful Results

• Use a 12-inch cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and optimal flavor development.
• Save a small amount of bacon grease to enhance the ground beef's taste and prevent sticking.
• Create multiple layers of potatoes and beef to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
• Blot excess grease with a paper towel if using fattier ground beef or whole milk to prevent a soggy dish.
• Top with crispy bacon crumbles and fresh green onions to add crunch and a bright flavor finish.

How to Handle Leftovers from This Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the skillet tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Perfect Sides for Beef & Potato Skillet

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the ground beef and crispy bacon.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the skillet's heaviness and cut through the richness.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the dish's intense savory profile and provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, hearty ingredients.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley to add a bright, fresh element that lifts the entire dish and provides a clean, herbal note against the rich background.

Fun Ways to Change Up This Skillet Dish

• Vegetarian Potato Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using olive oil instead of bacon grease for cooking.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, maintaining the same seasoning and cheese topping for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Skillet: Add diced jalapeños, swap smoked paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese substitute like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute mini potatoes with diced russet or red potatoes. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Is it okay to substitute ground beef with another meat?

Ground turkey or ground chicken work well as alternatives. Keep in mind that leaner meats might require additional fat to maintain moisture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce cheese quantity, and opt for low-fat milk. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

• What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

A large oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work perfectly. Just ensure it has similar dimensions to maintain the recipe’s layering and cooking technique.

Loaded Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet delivers a comforting one-pan meal that blends savory flavors and satisfying textures. Rich beef and tender potatoes create a simple yet delicious dinner perfect for hungry families craving a quick and nourishing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (96/4 lean)
• 4 slices center cut bacon

Vegetables and Potatoes

• 20 (500 grams) mini potatoes (red and gold)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

• 1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Crisp bacon in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown. Remove bacon, crumble, and reserve a small amount of drippings in the pan.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet with dry mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat browns completely, stirring intermittently.
3. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce during final moments of beef cooking, enhancing the meat’s savory profile.
4. Strategically arrange thinly sliced mini potatoes in a single layer across the bottom of the skillet, creating a foundation for the meat.
5. Distribute cooked ground beef evenly over potato layers, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Gently pour skim milk across the layered ingredients, allowing liquid to settle between potato and meat sections.
7. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface, creating a melty blanket.
8. Transfer skillet to a preheated 400ºF oven, baking for 40-50 minutes until liquid reduces and cheese turns golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let rest briefly to allow flavors to meld and temperature to stabilize.
10. Garnish with reserved crumbled bacon and optional chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy this robust, comforting dish directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and more flavor intensity in the dish.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to maintain structure during baking and prevent turning mushy.
• Blot excess grease with paper towels if using higher fat content ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that maintains the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg