Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

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Looking for a quick, hearty, and budget-friendly dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet hits all the marks. It’s packed with crispy beef bacon, cheesy layers, seasoned ground beef, and tender potatoes—all baked in one skillet for easy cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this comfort-food classic delivers bold flavor and satisfying textures with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

•  One-pan meal – fewer dishes, more flavor

• High-protein, family-friendly dinner idea

• Cheesy, meaty, and perfectly seasoned

•  Uses pantry staples like Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard powder

•  Ideal for budget meals using ground beef

Ingredients Breakdown:

Protein & Base:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7 preferred) – The main protein; lean enough to not overpower the skillet with grease.

• 4 strips beef bacon, chopped – Adds smoky, salty crunch and depth of flavor.

• About 20 small red or gold potatoes, thinly sliced – Tender, buttery base that absorbs all the flavor.

Seasonings & Flavor:

• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory umami richness to the beef.

• 1 tbsp dry mustard powder – Brings a subtle sharpness and enhances the cheese.

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika – Adds warmth and smoky depth.

• 1 tsp garlic powder – For simple, bold garlic flavor.

• Salt and pepper, to taste – Basic seasoning to balance it all.

Creamy & Cheesy Elements:

• 2 cups skim milk – Creates a creamy texture without extra heaviness.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness on top.

Finishing Touch:

• Green onions (optional) – A fresh, bright garnish to cut through the richness.

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t skip slicing the potatoes thinly – it ensures they cook evenly in under an hour.

• Use a mandoline slicer for quick, uniform slices.

• Want a thicker sauce? Use whole milk or evaporated milk for richness.

• If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, try soy sauce or steak sauce as a substitute.

Variations and Customizations:

• Add veggies: Mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.

• Cheese it up: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.

• Low-carb version: Use turnips or cauliflower instead of potatoes.

• Keto tip: Use heavy cream instead of milk and skip the Worcestershire sauce.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Serve with: Garlic bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad

• Great with sides like: Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezer: Portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months

• To reheat: Microwave on high or bake at 350°F until heated through

Popular Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What other meat can I use?

You can substitute ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.

Can I skip the bacon?

Absolutely. But it adds great flavor—consider using turkey beef bacon or pancetta instead.

Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

A one-pan wonder packed with crispy beef bacon, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese—hearty, budget-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 recommended)

• 20 small red or gold potatoes, thinly sliced

• 4 strips beef bacon, chopped

• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups skim milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

• Thinly slice your potatoes and set them aside.

2. Cook the beef bacon:

• In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best), cook chopped beef bacon over medium heat until crispy.

• Remove beef bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

• Do not drain the beef bacon grease – it adds flavor to the beef.

3. Brown the Beef:

• In the same skillet, cook the ground beef in the beef bacon drippings.

• As it browns, stir in the mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

• Cook until no longer pink, then reduce heat.

4. Layer the Skillet:

• Push beef to one side of the skillet.

• Begin layering:

  1. A layer of sliced potatoes

  2. Half the seasoned ground beef

  3. More potatoes

  4. The rest of the beef

  5. Final layer of potatoes on top

5. Add Milk and Cheese:

• Gently pour the skim milk over the entire skillet.

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.

6. Bake:

• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is golden brown.

• If there’s still excess liquid, bake an additional 10–15 minutes uncovered.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Let rest for 5–10 minutes (it’s piping hot).

• Top with crispy beef bacon pieces and chopped green onions if using.

Notes

• Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning before layering.

• For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully and are perfect for meal prep lunches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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