Some meals just hit the spot every time, and ground beef and potatoes is one of them. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—exactly what you need when you’re craving a satisfying home-cooked meal.
This one-pan dish is a lifesaver on busy nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and sautéed onions and peppers creates a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it as-is, wrap it in tortillas, or top it with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this ground beef and potatoes skillet is a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-pan meal – Easy cleanup and minimal effort!
✔ Simple ingredients – Everything is pantry-friendly and budget-friendly.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, cheese, or seasonings.
✔ Meal-prep friendly – Perfect for leftovers or freezing.
✔ Comforting and hearty – A satisfying meal that fills you up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Stir in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin. Add the tomato paste and mix well to coat everything. Pour in the beef broth and return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional) and Serve
If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet, cover, and let it melt for about 2 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Helpful Tips
- Cut potatoes evenly – This helps them cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from being undercooked.
- Use lean ground beef – 85/15 or 90/10 works best so the dish isn’t too greasy. If using fattier beef, drain excess grease before adding seasonings.
- For extra crunch – Add diced carrots or zucchini along with the onions and peppers.
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Swap the beef – You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Notes
- If you like your potatoes extra crispy, cook them separately in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or eggs for a different twist on this classic dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and don’t require peeling. Just cut them into small cubes for even cooking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with this meal?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A side salad for freshness
- Steamed vegetables for extra nutrients
- Fried eggs for a delicious breakfast option
- Tortillas or rice for a heartier meal
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Conclusion
This ground beef and potatoes skillet is the definition of comfort food made easy. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in no time. Whether you serve it for dinner, meal prep it for the week, or enjoy it for breakfast with eggs, this dish is a versatile classic that never disappoints.
Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort! Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Description
Some meals just hit the spot every time, and ground beef and potatoes is one of them. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—exactly what you need when you’re craving a satisfying home-cooked meal.
This one-pan dish is a lifesaver on busy nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and sautéed onions and peppers creates a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it as-is, wrap it in tortillas, or top it with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this ground beef and potatoes skillet is a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Stir in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin. Add the tomato paste and mix well to coat everything. Pour in the beef broth and return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional) and Serve
If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet, cover, and let it melt for about 2 minutes.
Notes
- If you like your potatoes extra crispy, cook them separately in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or eggs for a different twist on this classic dish.