Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

👩‍🍳 Instructions

 

Follow these simple steps for a cozy, delicious meal:

 

1. Prep and Cook the Bacon

 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal, 10-12 inches), cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
  • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

 

2. Brown the Ground Beef and Add Aromatics

 

  • Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, over medium-high heat until it is mostly browned.
  • Add the diced onion and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Season the mixture. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving a thin layer of fat/moisture for cooking the potatoes.

 

3. Layer and Add Liquid

 

  • Create the layers: Push the seasoned ground beef mixture to one side of the skillet.
    • Arrange a single, slightly overlapping layer of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the empty side of the skillet.
    • Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes you just laid down.
    • Cover the meat layer with a second, slightly overlapping layer of the remaining sliced potatoes.
  • Pour the 2 cups of milk evenly over the potatoes and ground beef in the skillet.
  • Top the entire dish with the shredded cheddar cheese.

 

4. Bake to Perfection

 

  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, the milk has mostly absorbed/reduced, and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned around the edges. Pro Tip: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the skillet with foil.

 

5. Finish and Serve

 

  • Remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • Crumble the reserved crispy bacon over the top.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions, if desired.
  • Serve hot, directly from the skillet!

 

📝 Chef's Notes & Variations

 

  • Potato Choice: Russet potatoes will be slightly softer and starchier, while Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes hold their shape better. Ensure slices are thin (1/4 inch) for even cooking.
  • Make it Creamier: For an even richer, creamier dish, swap out half of the milk for heavy cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup.
  • Extra Veggies: Feel free to stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas with the milk for added color and nutrition before baking.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a little heat.
  • Skillet Size: A 12-inch oven-safe skillet is recommended for the best results and proper layering. If your skillet is smaller, the bake time may increase.

This "Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet" is a guaranteed family favorite—hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Enjoy the simplicity of a complete meal right out of one pan!

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