The Best Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet that promises a delicious one-pan meal.

Packed with savory flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.

Home cooks love how quickly the dish comes together after a long day.

Tender potatoes and perfectly seasoned beef create a mouthwatering combination that fills hungry bellies.

Every bite offers a delightful blend of herbs and spices that make this skillet meal irresistible.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and robust taste that appeals to both kids and adults.

Quick Skillet Dinners: Beef and Potatoes

• Whip Up a One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with minimal cleanup, making this skillet recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want delicious food without multiple dishes.
• Customize Your Comfort Feast: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with various cheese types to suit your taste preferences.
• Build Hearty Family Nutrition: Pack a protein-rich, vegetable-loaded dish that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients, perfect for weeknight dinners that keep everyone happy and well-fed.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Create a filling meal in less than 30 minutes, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice cooks can confidently execute.

Ingredients Checklist for Beef and Potatoes Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the skillet dish.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a crispy and comforting base for the recipe.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: These ingredients build a robust flavor foundation and add depth to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Cumin, Italian Seasoning: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile and provide a well-rounded flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds a subtle richness to the skillet.
• Broth or Water: Assists in softening the potatoes and creating moisture in the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy and tangy notes.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and providing a bright, fresh finish.

Simple Cooking Directions for Beef Potato Skillet

Step 1: Crisp Up Potato Cubes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add diced potatoes and cook until they turn golden brown and crispy, creating a delightful crunch.

Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.

Once potatoes reach a perfect golden color, transfer them to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delicious flavors into the pan.

Step 3: Brown The Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.

Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain excess fat if desired.

Step 4: Reunite And Season

Return the crispy potato cubes to the skillet.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together to distribute the spices evenly.

Add a splash of broth or water to help soften the potatoes and create a rich, cohesive dish.

Step 5: Melt And Garnish

Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt completely.

Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley across the skillet for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips for Golden, Crispy Potatoes with Beef

• Par-boil potatoes briefly before dicing to ensure faster, more even browning in the skillet.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to prevent excess grease while maintaining rich flavor.
• Toast spices in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to intensify their aromatic profile.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a keto-friendly version of the dish.
• Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after cooking beef to capture all the delicious browned bits.

Skillet Variations to Shake Things Up

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Skillet: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, creating a protein-packed meat-free alternative that keeps the hearty feel of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Transform the dish by using lamb instead of beef, adding oregano and mint, and incorporating feta cheese for a Greek-inspired culinary experience.
• Spicy Chorizo Upgrade: Swap ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, introducing a bold and zesty flavor that adds depth and heat to the traditional skillet recipe.

Serving Skillet Meals for Dinner Time

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, homestyle meal that brings everyone together.
• Loaded Potato Twist: Top with crispy bacon bits, sour cream dollops, and extra cheese to transform the dish into a loaded potato-style experience.
• Quick Lunch Bowl: Pack the skillet mixture over rice or quinoa for a filling, portable lunch that stays delicious even when cooled.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle additional fresh herbs like chives or green onions just before serving to add brightness and extra flavor complexity.

Keeping Skillet Leftovers Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled skillet to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, maintaining moisture and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and dietary preference.

• How do I prevent potatoes from sticking to the skillet?

Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan, and make sure to stir the potatoes occasionally while cooking. Add a bit more oil if needed to prevent sticking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any broth or seasoning you use is certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this skillet meal in advance and reheat it in the skillet or microwave. The flavors often taste even better the next day.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rustic flavors with simple ingredients. Savory meat and crispy potato edges create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4–5 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup broth or water
• 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for dicing potatoes.
2. Carefully distribute potato cubes across the heated surface, allowing them to transform into golden, crispy morsels over 10-12 minutes. Transfer the perfectly crisped potatoes to a temporary plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté aromatic onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers until they become translucent and tender.
4. Introduce ground beef to the vegetable medley, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until the meat achieves a rich, caramelized brown color.
5. Reunite the crispy potatoes with the beef mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Enhance the dish with a symphony of seasonings: salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and fragrant Italian herbs.
7. If the mixture appears dry, introduce a splash of broth or water to ensure the potatoes remain tender and succulent.
8. For cheese lovers, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar across the skillet, allowing it to melt into a creamy blanket.
9. Finish the dish with a vibrant garnish of freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving.

Notes

• Customize potato crispiness by cutting them into uniform, smaller cubes for faster and more even browning.
• Drain excess beef fat after cooking to reduce greasiness and create a lighter dish.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor intensity.
• Consider alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg