Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Here’s a hearty, one-pan comfort-food classic: Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet—crispy potatoes, savory beef, and all the best “loaded” toppings.

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Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)

• 1½ lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced small

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked if you like)

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled

• ¼ cup green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add potatoes in an even layer, season with salt and pepper.
   Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
   Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef
   In the same skillet, add ground beef and onion.
   Cook until beef is browned and onion softened.
   Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Season & Combine
   Stir in garlic, paprika, chili powder, and thyme. Cook 30 seconds.
   Return potatoes to the skillet and toss to combine.

4. Load It Up
   Sprinkle cheddar evenly over the top.
   Cover and cook 2–3 minutes until melted.

5. Finish & Serve
   Remove from heat.
   Top with sour cream, bacon, and green onions.

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Optional Add-Ins

• Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms

• Spicy: Jalapeños or hot sauce

• Extra Cheesy: Mix in pepper jack or mozzarella

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a simple side salad

• Spoon into tortillas for loaded beef-and-potato tacos

• Add a fried egg on top for breakfast-for-dinner

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If you’d like, I can also adapt this into a slow cooker version, campfire skillet, or low-carb swap using cauliflower.