Quick Description: Crispy potatoes, seasoned lean beef, and melted cheese come together in this hearty, flavor-packed skillet—perfect for a weeknight meal without extra WW points.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Dietary Notes: WW-friendly, high-protein option, gluten-free
Ingredients
- 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
- 4–5 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Cooking spray (instead of oil)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings (0-point or very low):
- Salsa (low-sugar)
- Nonfat Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium. Add diced potatoes, season lightly, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Let them sit briefly between stirs for crisp edges.
- Brown the Beef: Push potatoes to one side of the pan. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Mix the taco seasoning with ½ cup water and pour over the beef. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Combine Potatoes and Beef: Stir everything together so the potatoes absorb the taco flavor evenly.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the ¾ cup reduced-fat cheese over the skillet, cover, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve with Toppings: Remove from heat and garnish with salsa, Greek yogurt, green onions, or jalapeños as desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Crispy potatoes: Don’t overcrowd the pan; letting potatoes sit briefly before stirring helps them brown.
- Flavor boost: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a squeeze of lime to elevate flavor without extra points.
- Cheese: Using ¾ cup ensures melty richness while keeping points low.
- Toppings: Salsa and Greek yogurt add moisture and flavor without increasing WW points.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Dice potatoes ahead and store in water to prevent browning; cook beef and potatoes fresh for best texture.
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- WW Points: 4 per serving
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, swap beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and are also 0 points on WW.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Cook potatoes slightly underdone, then store separately. Reheat with beef and cheese when ready.
Q: How can I reduce points further?
A: Use cooking spray, extra-lean beef, and slightly less cheese.
