Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

If you need a reliable dinner that satisfies everyone without keeping you in the kitchen for hours, this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the answer. Imagine perfectly seared, savory beef crumbles mingling with golden-brown, crispy potato cubes and a hint of smoky seasoning. This dish delivers a comforting, hearty texture that feels like a home-cooked classic but comes together in just thirty minutes.

I love how the natural juices from the beef infuse the potatoes with incredible depth. You won’t find any complicated techniques or fancy equipment here, just straightforward cooking that maximizes flavor. It is the ultimate one-pan wonder for a hectic weeknight. This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet transforms humble pantry staples into a gourmet-style meal your family will request constantly.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

• One-Pan Simplicity: You only need a single large skillet to cook everything, which means minimal cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of protein-rich beef and starchy potatoes creates a filling, high-energy meal that hits every savory note.
• Maximum Versatility: This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet acts as a blank canvas, allowing you to easily swap spices or add extra vegetables based on what you have in the fridge.
• Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes ensures you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank while still providing essential iron and potassium.
• Fast-Track Cooking: By cutting the potatoes into small, uniform cubes, you ensure they cook through quickly, keeping the total cook time under thirty minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Quality ingredients make the difference in a simple meal like this. When choosing your beef, I recommend an 80/20 or 85/15 blend to ensure enough fat for browning the potatoes. For the potatoes, Yukon Golds are my top pick because they hold their shape and develop a beautiful buttery crust.

If you prefer a starchier texture, Russets work perfectly fine too. Let’s look at the essentials for your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Ground Beef	1 lb	85% lean is ideal for flavor and moisture.
Yukon Gold Potatoes	1.5 lbs	Diced into 1/2-inch cubes for fast cooking.
Yellow Onion	1 medium	Finely diced to blend into the meat.
Bell Pepper	1 large	Red or green for a pop of color and sweetness.
Garlic	3 cloves	Freshly minced for the best aromatic punch.
Olive Oil	2 tbsp	Used to get those potatoes extra crispy.
Smoked Paprika	1 tsp	Adds a subtle, woodsy depth to the beef.
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste	Don’t be shy with the seasoning.
Beef Broth	1/4 cup	Helps deglaze the pan and soften the potatoes.
Shredded Cheddar	1/2 cup	Optional, for a gooey finish.

Substitutions & Variations

Flexibility is the hallmark of a great 30-minute meal. If you want to change things up in your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet, there are plenty of healthy and flavorful swaps available. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit different dietary preferences or simply to use up what is in your pantry. Making smart substitutions keeps your cooking routine fresh and exciting.

• Leaner Protein: Swap the beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. Since these are leaner, add an extra tablespoon of oil to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
• Sweet Potato Twist: Replace the white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a boost of Vitamin A and a touch of sweetness. This version of the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet pairs excellently with chili powder.
• Low-Carb Option: If you are watching your carb intake, try using cauliflower florets instead of potatoes. They cook much faster, so reduce the simmering time.
• Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a spicy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach or kale during the last two minutes of cooking until just wilted.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese entirely or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

If you’re looking to experiment further with your skillet meals, consider trying the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. This recipe offers a unique twist that maintains the quick-cooking nature of the original while introducing delicious new flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by washing and dicing your potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Finely dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you turn on the stove is the key to a stress-free Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet.
2. Sear the Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potato cubes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Stir occasionally until they are about 80% tender. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink. If there is excessive grease, drain all but one tablespoon to keep the flavor without the oiliness.
4. Aromatics and Peppers: Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine and Season: Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure every ingredient is coated in the seasoning.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the beef broth. This liquid helps deglaze the pan, picking up all the flavorful browned bits. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
7. The Cheesy Finish: Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top if you are using it. Cover for one more minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

To master the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet, you need to focus on texture. The biggest mistake people make is ended up with “mushy” potatoes. To avoid this, always pat your diced potatoes dry with a paper towel before adding them to the hot oil.

Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Furthermore, use a large enough skillet; if the pan is overcrowded, the potatoes will steam instead of fry.

Another technical tip involves the heat level. Do not be afraid of medium-high heat during the initial potato sear. You want that caramelization because it provides the structural integrity the potatoes need when they later simmer with the beef.

Also, always season in layers. Add a pinch of salt to the potatoes as they fry, and then season the beef separately. This ensures the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is flavorful throughout, rather than just on the surface.

Lastly, consider the “resting” phase. Let the skillet sit for about three minutes after you turn off the heat. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set properly. It makes serving much easier and ensures the flavors are fully married before the first bite.

For additional tips on achieving the perfect texture in your dishes, check out our guide on Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup. It provides essential techniques that will help you avoid common pitfalls and master your skillet cooking.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet are arguably even better the next day as the spices continue to penetrate the potatoes. To store, allow the meal to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of cooked potatoes often becomes grainy once thawed and reheated.

When it comes to reheating, the microwave is the fastest method, but it can make the potatoes a bit soft. For the best results, reheat your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water or beef broth to the pan and cover it with a lid.

This creates steam that rewreaks the beef without drying it out, while the heat from the pan helps revive some of the potato’s exterior texture. Usually, 5-6 minutes on the stovetop is all you need for a “just-cooked” taste.

What to Serve With This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Because this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is quite hearty and rich, I like to pair it with something bright, crisp, and fresh. A simple green salad with a lemon-tahini dressing or a classic vinaigrette provides a necessary acidic contrast to the savory beef. It cleanses the palate and makes the meal feel more balanced. You could also serve it with a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for extra fiber.

If you want to lean into the comfort food vibe, a side of warm crusty bread or garlic knots is perfect for mopping up any remaining juices in the pan. For those looking for a lighter touch, a cucumber and tomato salad with red onions and feta is a fantastic cooling side dish. No matter what you choose, keep the sides simple so the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet remains the star of the show.

To enhance your hearty skillet meals, consider the refreshing pairing of a Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl. This dish adds a delightful contrast to the richness of ground beef and potatoes while maintaining a satisfying balance on your plate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?

Yes, you can certainly use frozen cubed hash browns to save even more time. However, since frozen potatoes are often pre-cooked or par-boiled, they will require less time in the skillet. Skip the initial long sear and add them directly to the browned beef.

Ensure you cook them until they are heated through and have reached your desired level of crispness. This is a great shortcut for an ultra-fast Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet.

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

Sticking usually happens for two reasons: the pan wasn’t hot enough, or you moved the potatoes too soon. Make sure your oil is shimmering before the potatoes hit the pan. Once they are in, leave them alone for at least four minutes.

This allows a “crust” to form, which naturally releases the potato from the surface of the pan. Using a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a high-quality non-stick pan also helps significantly when making a Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a meal prep dream because it holds up so well. You can portion it out into individual containers for a high-protein lunch throughout the week.

To keep the potatoes from getting too soggy during storage, try to avoid over-simmering them during the final step of the recipe. Leave them just a tiny bit firm, and they will reach the perfect consistency when you reheat them later.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a versatile dish that has earned its place in home kitchens due to its ease of preparation and comforting flavors. The combination of ground beef and potatoes provides a satisfying meal option that can be tailored with various seasonings and ingredients, making it a popular choice for families looking for quick dinner solutions, as discussed in more detail on the skillet cooking page.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutritional summary is based on a standard serving size (approximately one-fourth of the recipe). It provides a balanced mix of macronutrients suitable for a filling dinner.

Calories	410 kcal
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	580mg
Total Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	3g
Protein	26g

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to create a masterpiece. With just a few basic items and thirty minutes of your time, you can serve a meal that is nourishing, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy the process and the lack of dishes!

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