Are you craving a delicious and satisfying side dish that's ready in minutes? Look no further! These Frozen Potatoes O'Brien are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. They offer a burst of flavor and a comforting texture, all without the lengthy prep time of making them from scratch. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal, from breakfast to dinner, making it a true staple for your healthy meals repertoire. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (16 ounces) frozen diced potatoes, hash browns, or even a mix!
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup) – feel free to use all green or skip this altogether
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the Veggies: Start by chopping your onion and bell peppers. If you're using frozen hash browns, you can skip this step and go straight to cooking!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the Potatoes: Add the frozen potatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Season and Cook: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt over the potatoes. Stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and tender, stirring occasionally. If the pan gets too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley, if using. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite protein and vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Frozen Potatoes O'Brien:
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure you have enough space in your skillet for the potatoes to cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
- Add Some Cheese: For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Potatoes O'Brien: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Breakfast Potatoes O'Brien: Add some cooked bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast side.
- Herby Potatoes O'Brien: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Fat: 8-12g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
These are just estimates, and the exact nutritional content will vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the portion size.
This simple recipe for frozen potatoes O'Brien is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, delicious, and healthy side dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your homemade cooking!