Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare? This Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, golden potatoes, and simple seasonings in one pan. Perfect for weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dish comes together quickly and leaves minimal cleanup. Keep reading to discover the step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations that will make this recipe a family favorite.
What Is a Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
A beef and potatoes skillet is a classic one-pan dish that features ground beef, diced potatoes, and a medley of spices and seasonings. The dish is often cooked on the stovetop, resulting in crispy potatoes and savory beef that is flavored with onions, garlic, and herbs. It's a versatile recipe that you can customize with different vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste. This meal is ideal for busy evenings and is a delicious, budget-friendly option.
Ingredients List for Beef and Potatoes Skillet
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme/oregano mix)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon, but adjust as needed)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas or corn (optional for extra veggies)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (for added depth of flavor)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Meat Alternatives: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer a leaner option.
- Add More Veggies: To boost the nutrition, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, carrots, or zucchini. Simply sauté them along with the potatoes or mix them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheesy Skillet: To make the dish extra comforting, top with shredded cheese and let it melt over the beef and potatoes. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack will add richness and flavor.
- Spicy Version: For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños to the skillet. You can also try using spicy ground sausage instead of beef.
- Herb Lovers: If you enjoy fresh herbs, finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges. If your skillet is small, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Once the potatoes are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the beef with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce at this point for an extra punch of flavor.
- Continue to cook the beef until it is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before proceeding.
Step 3: Combine the Beef and Potatoes
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet.
- Stir everything together gently to combine the potatoes and beef. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Optional Add-ins and Finishing Touches
- If you're adding shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the beef and potatoes during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt.
- Add any vegetables (such as bell peppers, peas, or corn) at this point. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the veggies are heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a bit of freshness and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Make sure to cook the potatoes in a single layer to allow them to get crispy. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam instead of brown.
- Skipping the Drain Step: If your ground beef produces a lot of grease, drain the excess fat before adding the potatoes back into the skillet. This keeps the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Undercooking the Potatoes: Be patient and allow the potatoes to get crispy and golden. If they are undercooked, they can be mushy and will lack that satisfying texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is versatile enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but you can also pair it with side dishes for a fuller spread. Serve it with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of crusty bread to round out the meal. It also pairs well with sauces like ketchup, sour cream, or even hot sauce if you like extra flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Beef and Potatoes Skillet
- Skillet-to-Table: Serve the dish directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. Place it in the middle of the table so everyone can help themselves.
- Garnish It Up: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving. You can also top each serving with a fried egg or a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgence.
- Single-Serve Portions: For a more formal dinner, portion the dish into individual bowls or plates and top with a little extra shredded cheese or herbs for garnish.
Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips
- Pre-Boil the Potatoes: If you’re short on time, you can parboil the diced potatoes for 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will speed up the cooking process and ensure they’re tender.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers. You can substitute leftover cooked potatoes or roasted vegetables to cut down on prep time.
- Make It in Advance: You can prepare the ground beef and potatoes separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the skillet and combine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes (like hash browns) in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the skillet.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dish up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When reheating, simply warm the skillet on the stove until the beef and potatoes are heated through.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
While this dish can be served on its own, it pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of eggs for a hearty breakfast option.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the Worcestershire sauce or other sauces used are gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels if you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.
5. Can I freeze Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it in a skillet until fully heated.
Conclusion
This Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a simple yet flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty, satisfying dish without a lot of fuss. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a few key seasonings, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste. Whether you're serving it up as a quick dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will surely become a household favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious combination of textures and flavors in every bite!
PrintBeef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This beef and potatoes skillet recipe features seasoned ground beef and crispy potatoes, all cooked in one pan for an easy, satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced potatoes and cook until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned and crumbled. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Return the potatoes to the skillet, stir to combine with the beef mixture.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Optional: Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and allow it to melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use sweet potatoes for a different flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
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