I was looking over the recipe posts I’ve done and I haven’t posted an actual meal in a long time. It’s all been desserts! I promise I’ve been cooking and not just serving my family cake and cookies. I just find sweet recipes so much more fun to write about!
I’ve done variations of the ground beef and potato skillet a few times over the last few weeks to find something we like. Actually we’ve liked all the variations but I was trying to find the healthiest and easiest option. I don’t go for gourmet when I cook, at least not at this point in my life. I want simple and quick meals that include vegetables.
When you have a toddler running around you need meals that are easy and forgiving. The other day E got into his Vaseline as I was cooking. Thankfully I caught him early on (leaving my stove unattended for a few minutes) and no damage was done, although I hope his pants come clean. But then he decided to load every single ball he owns into his big dump truck and dumped them all in the kitchen. I still managed to have supper done on time and it wasn’t burnt, but that’s because I did an easy meal!
I’ve also been trying to find quick meals that use potatoes or rice as a carb (as opposed to wheat). We eat alot of bread, which is fine but I wanted to change it up a little. Potatoes can be a pain because they take a long time to cook, but they taste so good! And as I’ve said before, I can’t make rice, so I tend to avoid it. Not to mention that you have to vacuum after a toddler has rice.
Anyways this recipe seems to make everyone happy. And I like that it has everything (veggie, carb & meat) in one dish. The original recipe I based it from is called Hamburger Hash and doesn’t include veggies. I’ve changed it quite a bit but if you want to see where it came from, that’s it! This meal is pretty interchangeable if you prefer different spices (if you like spicy I’m sure it could handle heat). And if you don’t have any veggies or want them on the side you don’t have to add them. Enjoy!
Ground Beef & Potato Skillet
- 3 cups potatoes, chopped into bite size pieces Russet potatoes work best
- 1lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 TBSP dried onion
- 1 TBSP vegetable oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is best)
- Optional: 2 cups steamed vegetables (I use broccoli)
Directions
- Boil potatoes in water until tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain water and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or turkey) until browned. Drain fat. Pour into separate bowl and set aside.
- If using vegetables, steam or boil them while the meat is cooking (I use the prepackaged bags that can go in the microwave).
- In same skillet, over medium heat, add oil, potatoes & spices. Cook until potatoes have started to brown, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add ground beef & steamed vegetables back to the skillet and mix well. Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat & serve.