Loaded Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is just what you need. Combining tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, this one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family dinner. Best of all, it’s made in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean up!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is a winner because of its simplicity, versatility, and the perfect combination of savory flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet recipe comes together with ease. The savory notes from ground beef, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of pantry staples like potatoes and ground beef. Let’s not forget – this dish is also budget-friendly and highly customizable!

Key Ingredients for Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need to prepare this comforting dish:

• Ground Beef (1 lb, 96/4 lean): The star protein of this recipe, providing hearty flavor and texture. A lean ground beef keeps the dish lighter, but you can opt for fattier beef for extra richness.
• Mini Potatoes (20 or 500g, red and gold): These potatoes are thinly sliced to ensure even cooking and add a lovely starchy base to soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Center Cut Bacon (4 slices, cut into thin strips): Adds a smoky, crispy contrast to the tender beef and potatoes.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1/4 cup): This umami-rich sauce elevates the savory flavor of the ground beef.
• Skim Milk (2 cups): Helps create a light, creamy base for the potatoes to cook in, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): A sharp cheddar melts beautifully on top of the skillet, adding a rich, cheesy finish.
• Dry Mustard (1 Tbsp): Adds a subtle tangy depth to the seasoning of the beef.
• Smoked Paprika (1 Tbsp): Brings a smoky warmth to the dish, complementing the bacon perfectly.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Kosher Salt (1 tsp), and Black Pepper (1 tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of the skillet.

this RECIPE

Preparing the Perfect Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF. In a large 12-inch cast iron skillet, cook the thinly sliced bacon over medium-high heat. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain, then crumble it and set it aside. Be sure to save a little bit of the bacon grease for the next step to add extra flavor to the ground beef.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Drain any excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just a small amount to sauté the ground beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet and season it with dry mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the beef until no pink remains, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Towards the end, add the Worcestershire sauce to the skillet for an added boost of savory flavor. Turn off the heat once the beef is fully cooked.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Beef

Push the cooked ground beef to one side of the skillet. Begin layering the thinly sliced mini potatoes on the bottom of the skillet in a single layer. Cover these with the ground beef and repeat on the other side, creating a base layer of potatoes topped with seasoned beef. Once you have a full layer of potatoes covered in beef, top the skillet with the remaining potatoes.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cheddar

Slowly pour the skim milk over the layered potatoes and ground beef. Then, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the skillet.

Step 5: Bake the Skillet

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid has evaporated and the cheese begins to bubble and slightly brown around the edges. If you’re using a fattier ground beef or whole milk, you may notice some excess grease, which can be blotted away with a paper towel toward the end of cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, allow the skillet to cool slightly before serving. Top the dish with crumbled bacon and, if desired, a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a burst of freshness. Dig in and enjoy this rich and hearty meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking this Skillet Recipe

1. Overcrowding the Potatoes: Slicing the potatoes too thick or piling them up too high can result in uneven cooking. Keep your slices thin and layer them in a single layer where possible to ensure they cook through evenly.
2. Not Draining Excess Grease: If you opt for fattier ground beef or whole milk, the dish may release more liquid during cooking. Blotting the excess grease with a paper towel ensures that your dish isn’t too oily.
3. Using Too Little Seasoning: The seasoning in this dish is key to bringing out the full flavor of the beef and potatoes. Don’t skimp on the spices, and feel free to adjust them to your taste!

Tips for Choosing the Best Potatoes and Ground Beef

• Potatoes: Opt for mini red or gold potatoes. They hold their shape well when cooked and offer a creamy texture that complements the savory beef.
• Ground Beef: A lean 96/4 ground beef works great for this recipe, keeping it lighter without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, you can use 85/15 ground beef but remember to blot any extra grease.

Equipment Needed to Make the Loaded Skillet Dish

• 12-inch cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet)
• Paper towels (for draining bacon and grease)
• Sharp knife for slicing potatoes
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Storing Leftovers and How to Reheat the Skillet

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk to keep the potatoes from drying out during reheating.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

To elevate the presentation, serve the skillet dish straight from the cast iron pan. The crispy, golden edges of the cheese and potatoes make for a rustic and inviting look. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley to add a pop of color. Pair this dish with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors.

Recipe Variations: Customizing Your Loaded Skillet Meal

This skillet dish is incredibly flexible, and you can easily swap or add ingredients based on your preferences:

• Add Vegetables: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
• Spice it Up: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Swap the Meat: Substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of red or gold potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter taste and a different texture to the dish, but they cook up beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ground beef and slice the potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble them in the skillet when you’re ready to bake.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it is certified gluten-free.

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