Are you searching for a quick, hearty meal that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up something delicious with minimal ingredients. It’s a complete meal packed with protein, veggies, and carbs—all in one skillet! Keep reading to discover how to make this comforting dish with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
What is Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
The Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a versatile, one-pan recipe combining two classic staples—ground beef and potatoes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s deeply satisfying and packed with flavor. What’s fantastic about this recipe is its adaptability; you can easily swap ingredients to cater to your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for a comfort meal or something nutritious, this dish ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s family-friendly, making it a winner for everyone at the dinner table!
Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Let’s start with the core ingredients that you’ll need to bring this dish to life. These are basic, everyday items that you might already have in your kitchen:
- 1 pound of ground beef – Ground beef is the star of the dish. You can opt for 80/20 or leaner cuts based on your preference.
- 4 medium potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their ability to hold their shape and crisp up nicely.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic boosts the overall savory taste.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – Optional, but adds a burst of color and some extra crunch.
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn – To sneak in some veggies, these frozen options work well.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a smoky, warm undertone.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – Earthy, slightly nutty flavor to balance the beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil – To sauté the ingredients and enhance their taste.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the most wonderful things about the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is how easily you can customize it. Whether you’re looking to lighten up the dish, add more vegetables, or spice it up, here are a few popular substitutions and variations:
- Ground turkey or chicken – Swap out ground beef for a leaner option like turkey or chicken if you're cutting down on red meat.
- Sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes – For a twist of sweetness and additional nutrients, sweet potatoes are a great alternative.
- Add more veggies – Zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots can be added to make the dish even more wholesome.
- Spice it up – If you like heat, throw in some red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños.
- Cheesy version – Melt some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top for an indulgent touch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the actual preparation of the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet. Follow these simple steps to create this savory dish:
- Prep your ingredients: Wash and dice the potatoes into small cubes (about ½-inch thick) to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell pepper (if using). Keep all the ingredients ready to toss into the skillet.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Once done, remove the ground beef and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
- Cook the potatoes: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, which should take about 10–12 minutes.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are softened and aromatic, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet along with the bell pepper and frozen peas or corn. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are warmed through and well incorporated with the meat and potatoes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Give the skillet a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. If you prefer more spice, now’s the time to add in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Serve hot: Once everything is cooked and seasoned to your liking, your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is ready to serve!
How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those who like things broken down even further, here’s a concise version of the step-by-step process:
- Dice potatoes, onions, and garlic; prep other veggies.
- Brown the ground beef in olive oil, then remove and drain.
- Cook diced potatoes until crispy and tender.
- Sauté onions and garlic.
- Combine cooked beef, potatoes, and vegetables; cook until heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple dish like the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet, there are a few common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid:
- Overcooking the beef: Ground beef can quickly dry out if overcooked. Make sure to remove it from the pan as soon as it's no longer pink to keep it juicy.
- Undercooking the potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are diced small enough to cook evenly and don’t rush them. You want them golden brown and crispy on the outside but soft and tender inside.
- Not seasoning enough: Potatoes are notorious for needing a good amount of seasoning. Don’t be shy with your salt, pepper, and spices.
- Skipping the oil: The olive oil is essential for giving the dish that nice crispy texture, especially on the potatoes.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While this dish is a hearty skillet meal, you can still get creative with how you serve and present it:
- Serve in a cast-iron skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, use it to serve the meal straight from stove to table. It adds a rustic charm and keeps the food hot.
- Add garnishes: Top your skillet with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with bread: A nice crusty bread or garlic toast is a perfect side to soak up all the flavors.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. You can enjoy it on its own, pair it with a fresh side salad, or serve it alongside some warm bread for a complete meal. For a healthier option, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
While the dish itself is rustic and comforting, you can make it visually appealing with a few tweaks:
- Garnish with herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a vibrant green touch.
- Serve with a wedge of lemon: The acidity can brighten the dish and enhance the flavor.
- Sprinkle cheese on top: A light dusting of grated Parmesan or cheddar before serving makes it look and taste more indulgent.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips
- Preheat the skillet: A hot skillet ensures even cooking and helps the potatoes develop that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Cook in batches: If your skillet is small, cook the ground beef and potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the food to steam instead of brown.
- Don’t skip the spices: The combination of cumin and paprika adds a depth of flavor that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
A: While the beef and veggies freeze well, potatoes can become mushy. It’s best to consume it fresh, but if you freeze, thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Q: What can I serve this dish with?
A: It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
There you have it! The Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a quick, easy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its versatility and flavor, it's bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this one-skillet wonder is sure to satisfy. Try it out today and enjoy the deliciousness!
PrintGround Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is a simple, flavorful dish made with ground beef, tender potatoes, and seasonings. It's the perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights. Great as a comfort food recipe, it provides a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Try this easy skillet dinner that’s quick to prepare and cook.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Diced tomatoes
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in diced tomatoes and potatoes.
- Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: Top with cheddar cheese and allow it to melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
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