If you're in search of a quick, hearty, and delicious meal, look no further than the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe. It’s an all-in-one, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with savory flavors and provides a fulfilling bite every time. This skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and clean-up. Whether you're cooking for a family or just for yourself, this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. Read on for all the details, tips, and tricks to perfect this comforting dish!

What is a Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
A ground beef and potatoes skillet is exactly what it sounds like—a tasty one-pan dish where ground beef is cooked together with potatoes and often other vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Everything is sautéed and seasoned in a single skillet, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s a simple dish, but the combination of tender potatoes and juicy ground beef, seasoned just right, makes it incredibly satisfying. The best part? This recipe is customizable, so you can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
- Ground Beef: Use about 1 pound of ground beef. You can opt for lean ground beef, but some fat adds richness to the dish.
- Potatoes: 3-4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or Red Potatoes work well). Cut them into small cubes for faster cooking.
- Onion: One medium yellow onion, diced.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Bell Peppers: One red or green bell pepper, diced, for added flavor and color.
- Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons to sauté the vegetables and potatoes.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon to add depth to the flavor.
- Cheese (Optional): Grated cheddar cheese for topping, about ½ cup.
Ingredients List for Seasoning Variations
If you want to experiment with different flavors, here are a few seasoning and ingredient variations you can try:
- Cumin and Chili Powder: For a Southwestern twist, add 1 teaspoon of cumin and ½ teaspoon of chili powder.
- Thyme and Rosemary: If you want a more earthy flavor, add ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and ½ teaspoon of rosemary.
- Italian Seasoning: To give the dish an Italian flair, mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the spice level.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to customize this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. The cooking time remains the same, but you may need to add a little extra oil to prevent it from drying out.
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a bit of natural sweetness to the dish. Sweet potatoes cook similarly to white potatoes but may have a softer texture.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix, such as zucchini, carrots, spinach, or mushrooms. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time so that all the ingredients are cooked evenly.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, replace the potatoes with cauliflower or turnips. Cauliflower florets or riced cauliflower works well as a substitute and can absorb the delicious flavors of the ground beef and seasonings.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives if you're avoiding dairy. You won’t lose any flavor since the seasonings and beef provide plenty of taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the potatoes (if necessary) and then cutting them into small, evenly sized cubes. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper.
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the potatoes in an even layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the center. Break it up with a spatula or spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Skillet: Stir the potatoes back into the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables. Add the paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and any other seasonings you’re using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Melt Cheese (Optional): If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top of the skillet and cover the pan for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve Hot: Once everything is cooked and seasoned to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately.
How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
The step-by-step method above simplifies the cooking process, but here are a few extra tips for success:
- Even Cubes: Cutting the potatoes into even cubes ensures they cook uniformly. Larger chunks will take longer to cook and might not get as crispy as smaller pieces.
- Seasoning at Every Stage: Season the potatoes while they’re cooking, and also season the beef and vegetables separately to build layers of flavor.
- Keep an Eye on the Heat: If your skillet gets too hot, the potatoes or onions can burn before they’re fully cooked. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a medium setting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this is a simple recipe, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcrowding the Pan: Make sure the potatoes have enough space to crisp up by not overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Not Draining Fat: Depending on the fat content of your ground beef, you may need to drain excess grease to prevent a greasy dish.
- Underseasoning: Be generous with your seasonings. Potatoes and ground beef are relatively bland on their own, so salt and spice are essential to bringing out their flavors.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This skillet dish may be rustic, but that doesn't mean it can't be served beautifully. Here are some tips for making your meal look as good as it tastes:
- Cast Iron Skillet: If you have a cast iron skillet, use it to cook and serve the dish. It retains heat well and gives a lovely presentation straight from stove to table.
- Herb Garnish: Garnish the skillet with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Cheese Topping: A sprinkle of cheese not only adds flavor but gives the dish a finished look.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Serve this hearty dish on its own or with simple sides like a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or even a slice of crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side of sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
- Family-Style: Place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
- Individual Portions: Serve the skillet in individual bowls and top with a small dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped herbs.
- Garnished with Cheese: A final sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce can make the dish look extra inviting.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips
- Pre-cook the Potatoes: If you're short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for a few minutes before frying them in the skillet. This ensures they’ll cook faster and still crisp up nicely.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns to save time. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the skillet.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Add the potatoes and heat everything together when you're ready to serve.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or use beans like black beans or lentils for protein.
How long does this dish keep?
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is a versatile, filling, and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite seasonings and vegetables, you can’t go wrong with this simple one-pan meal. So why not give it a try tonight? You’ll be enjoying a delicious, satisfying dinner in no time!
PrintGround Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a mix of seasonings, it's a delicious and filling dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet is ideal for families looking for a comforting dinner. Keywords: ground beef skillet, potatoes and beef, easy one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
- Optional: sprinkle with shredded cheese and allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
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