Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

This ground beef and potatoes skillet recipe is a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and loaded with flavors. Ground beef and potatoes are a classic pairing, and in this one-pan dish, they’re cooked together with savory seasonings, fresh vegetables, and an optional touch of cheese for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this skillet meal requires minimal cleanup and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal: This entire dish comes together in one skillet, saving time on both cooking and cleaning up.
2. Simple Ingredients: Using everyday ingredients that are probably already in your pantry or fridge.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknights.
4. Customizable: You can add extra veggies, switch up the spices, or adjust the heat level to make it exactly how you like it.
5. Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples, making this a cost-effective family meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash and Dice Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes well and dice them into small cubes, around ½-inch in size. Keeping them small helps them cook evenly and quickly.
2. Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set these aside for later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add Ground Beef: Place the ground beef in the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Drain Excess Fat: If you’re using ground beef with higher fat content, carefully drain off any excess grease once the beef is fully cooked.
4. Set Aside: Remove the cooked ground beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 3: Sauté Potatoes and Vegetables

1. Add More Oil: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
2. Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to create a nice golden crust.
3. Flip and Continue Cooking: After 5 minutes, stir the potatoes and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re tender and golden brown on all sides.
4. Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4: Combine and Season

1. Return Beef to the Skillet: Add the browned ground beef back to the skillet with the potatoes and vegetables.
2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in any additional seasonings, like cumin or red pepper flakes, if desired. Mix everything together well and cook for 2–3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Optional: Add shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt for 1–2 minutes for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve Hot: Divide into servings and enjoy this warm, hearty meal.

Recipe Tips for Success

1. Use the Right Pan: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet works best for this recipe. A cast-iron skillet holds heat well and helps the potatoes develop a golden, crispy texture.
2. Cut Potatoes Evenly: Make sure to dice your potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and don’t end up with some soft and some undercooked.
3. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the dish at the end and adjust the seasonings as needed. Adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper right before serving can boost flavor.
4. Let Potatoes Crisp: Don’t stir the potatoes too frequently when first cooking them. Allowing them to sit for a few minutes on each side helps them develop a golden, crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Beef and Potatoes: Add shredded cheese on top and let it melt in the final step for a gooey, cheesy finish. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are great choices.
2. Southwestern Style: Add a teaspoon of chili powder, a half teaspoon of cumin, and a can of drained black beans. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for a Tex-Mex twist.
3. Italian-Inspired: Add Italian seasoning and top with Parmesan cheese. This pairs well with marinara sauce on the side.
4. Spicy Kick: For those who love spice, add more red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
5. Add Vegetables: Toss in extra veggies like peas, carrots, or zucchini for added color, texture, and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

1. Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes complements this dish well.
2. Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread for a satisfying side that can soak up any leftover juices.
3. Rice or Quinoa: If you’re looking to stretch the meal, serve this ground beef and potatoes skillet over a bed of rice or quinoa.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen it up.
3. Freezing: This dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet flavor and pair nicely with the savory beef and seasonings. They also provide more fiber and nutrients.

2. Can I make this dish with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just be mindful of the cooking time as leaner meats can dry out more quickly.

3. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used in this recipe. Just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.

4. What if my potatoes aren’t getting crispy?
Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the potatoes, and avoid stirring them too often at the beginning. If they’re still not crisping, add a bit more oil and let them cook undisturbed.

5. Can I add broth to make it saucier?
Yes, a splash of beef or vegetable broth can add moisture and a bit more flavor. However, the dish is meant to be on the drier side with crispy potatoes and beef.

Final Thoughts

This ground beef and potatoes skillet recipe brings together classic flavors with simple ingredients for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The versatility of the dish allows you to customize it in endless ways, whether you add extra veggies, a touch of cheese, or a spicy kick. Plus, with minimal cleanup, it’s a convenient choice for busy nights when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious.

Yield: 4

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

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This ground beef and potatoes skillet recipe is a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and loaded with flavors. Ground beef and potatoes are a classic pairing, and in this one-pan dish, they’re cooked together with savory seasonings, fresh vegetables, and an optional touch of cheese for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this skillet meal requires minimal cleanup and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer potatoes to a plate and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Sauté Onions and Peppers:

• Add diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef, and cook until onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Combine Potatoes and Season:

• Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring to evenly coat everything.

5. Add Cheese and Melt:

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Swap the Cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a flavor twist.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for added texture.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.