Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This ground beef and hash brown skillet is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a simple, satisfying dish that combines the comforting goodness of ground beef with the crispy texture of hash browns, all in one pan for easy cleanup. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with homemade cooking, using readily available ingredients. It's a great option for healthy meals, and easily adaptable to your preferences. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed, if desired – see tips below)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the thawed hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, and milk (or beef broth). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer and Melt: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the hash browns are heated through and tender, and the liquid has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Cheese Please!: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
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Serve and Enjoy!: Serve immediately. This hearty skillet is delicious on its own or with a side salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Thawing Hash Browns: While you can use frozen hash browns straight from the freezer, thawing them first will result in a more evenly cooked dish. Simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Spice it Up!: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used. The following is an estimate based on lean ground beef and using milk:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This ground beef and hash brown skillet is a quick and easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It's a flexible recipe that can be adapted to your liking, making it a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s the perfect example of a delicious dish that’s simple to make, and a fantastic option for those searching for quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!