This easy dinner with ground beef brings bold flavor to the table while staying simple enough for a busy night. The recipe blends seasoned ground beef, tender red potatoes, and melted cheese into one skillet that feels comforting and exciting at the same time. Because the steps stay clear and the ingredients stay familiar, this meal works well for families who want dinner to feel special without extra stress.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
- It combines ground beef and potatoes in one pan for easy cleanup.
- The special seasoning gives a Southwest dinner recipe feel without heat overload.
- Red potatoes hold their shape and soak up flavor.
- Melted cheese ties everything together for a cozy finish.
- The recipe fits family friendly dinner recipes with wide appeal.
Ingredient Breakdown
Each ingredient plays a clear role in building flavor while keeping this dish balanced and filling. If you enjoy whole food ground beef recipes, this lineup stays simple and familiar while still tasting rich.
- Lean ground beef for hearty protein
- Red potatoes cut small for even cooking
- Onion and garlic for savory depth
- Southwest style seasoning blend
- Tomato paste for rich color and body
- Shredded cheese for a smooth finish
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
How to Make It
Prep
- Wash and dice the red potatoes into small even pieces.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Measure out the seasoning and shred the cheese.
Cook
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in onion and garlic, then cook until soft.
- Add potatoes, seasoning, and tomato paste, then stir well.
- Cover and cook, stirring often, until potatoes are tender.
Finish and Serve
- Lower the heat and sprinkle cheese over the skillet.
- Cover until cheese melts fully.
- Serve warm with a simple side salad or steamed veggies.
Time Saving Options
When weeknights feel rushed, a few smart shortcuts can make this meal even easier. If you enjoy quick skillet meals like this creamy ground beef pasta recipe, these ideas will help keep dinner moving.
- Use pre diced red potatoes from the store.
- Brown ground beef ahead of time for quick meals.
- Shred cheese in bulk and store for the week.
Variations You Can Try
This recipe adapts easily to different tastes and plans. If meals with taco meat ground beef are already a favorite, you can adjust the seasoning to match, similar to this cheesy taco rice skillet with ground beef.
- Add bell peppers or corn for extra color.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Swap cheese types for new flavor.
- Serve in bowls for easy hamburger meal prep ideas.
Easy Dinner with Ground Beef (Special Flavor)
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 red potatoes diced small
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Southwest seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dice the red potatoes into small, even pieces.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cheese and set all ingredients aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes, Southwest seasoning, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Cover the skillet and cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
- Lower the heat, sprinkle the cheese over the skillet, cover again, and let it melt fully before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish works well for meal prep and reheats evenly. Store it in an airtight container and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The potatoes stay tender, and the beef keeps its flavor. If you like make ahead dinners with ground beef healthy options, this recipe fits well. It also pairs nicely with simple veggies for balance.
What potatoes work best?
Red potatoes are ideal because they cook evenly and hold their shape. Yukon gold potatoes also work and add a buttery texture. Avoid russet potatoes since they break down too much. Cutting potatoes evenly helps them cook at the same pace. This makes the final dish more consistent and satisfying.
Is this recipe kid friendly?
The flavors stay warm and savory without heavy spice, making it great for kids. You can reduce seasoning slightly if needed. The cheesy finish helps bring everything together in a way kids enjoy. Families who like recipes such as creamy taco soup with ground beef often enjoy this meal as well. Serve with fruit or simple sides for balance.
Final Thoughts
This easy dinner with ground beef delivers comfort, flavor, and flexibility in one skillet. It fits busy nights, picky eaters, and simple planning while still feeling special. If you enjoy bold but simple meals, you may also like this easy honey garlic ground beef for another quick option. Keep this recipe close for nights when dinner needs to be dependable and delicious.
