Print

Lighter Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

lighter cheesy ground beef and potato skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 30-minute skillet dinner with lean ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and potlucks, this lighter version delivers comfort food flavor without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 3 medium Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs or 680g), diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred both cheeses and set aside. Measure out your broth and seasonings.
  2. Cook the potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer if possible. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden on one side. Stir and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden and starting to get tender. Remove potatoes to a plate and set aside.
  3. Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until nicely browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add the aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then stir into the beef. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Season and add broth: Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the beef and onion mixture. Stir together, then pour in the beef broth. Let it simmer for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Return the potatoes: Add the partially cooked potatoes back to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Spread into an even layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until potatoes are tender and have absorbed some broth.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For extra crispy potatoes, toss diced potatoes in 1 tablespoon cornstarch before cooking. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Let potatoes sit in broth for a few minutes to absorb flavor. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and potato skillet, 30-minute dinner, easy weeknight meal, ground beef recipe, potato skillet, comfort food, lighter dinner

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/lighter-cheesy-ground-beef-and-potato-skillet-easy-30-minute-dinner/