The classic pairing of ground beef and potatoes is brought to life in this one-skillet wonder, delivering bold flavors, satisfying textures, and an incredibly easy cleanup. This dish brings a hearty, home-cooked feel with tender golden potatoes, juicy beef, and perfectly sautéed vegetables, all seasoned to perfection.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something warm and filling at the end of the day, this skillet meal has you covered. It’s adaptable to your taste (add chili flakes, corn, or shredded cheese for variety), and works well for meal prep too. Served straight from the skillet or plated with a fresh salad, it’s a cozy meal that’s hard to resist.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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4 medium russet potatoes, diced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1/4 cup beef broth or water
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Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
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Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add diced potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
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Push the potatoes to the side and add ground beef to the same skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until vegetables soften.
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Sprinkle in paprika, thyme, pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat everything in the seasonings.
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Pour in beef broth or water and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
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Remove lid and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: A Hearty, One-Pan Classic for Any Occasion
There’s something truly timeless about the combination of ground beef and potatoes. It’s humble, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. In this Ground Beef and Potato Skillet recipe, we’re bringing those two ingredients together in a savory, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep sessions. This dish has stood the test of time for a reason, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, filling, and endlessly adaptable to suit your flavor preferences or pantry staples.
Cooking everything in one skillet means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the meal with your loved ones. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to get dinner on the table quickly or a home cook looking for a simple yet delicious dish, this skillet recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few everyday ingredients like ground beef, russet potatoes, onions, garlic, and bell peppers, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s rich in protein, carbs, and fiber. It’s the perfect example of how basic pantry items can come together to make something truly comforting and memorable.
Moreover, the one-pan method not only speeds up the cooking process but also allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. As the potatoes cook, they soak up the rich juices from the beef and spices, resulting in a dish that’s savory and perfectly seasoned from top to bottom.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dish holds up beautifully as leftovers. In fact, some might say it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. You can store any remaining skillet mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, making it a reliable choice for meal prep.
If you’re into freezer-friendly meals, the cooked ground beef and potato mix can be cooled completely, portioned into freezer-safe containers, and frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Customizations and Substitutions
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas for customizations:
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Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
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Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of spinach, kale, or frozen peas at the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
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Southwestern Twist: Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex version of this classic.
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Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella on top and let it melt for a gooey, cheesy skillet dinner.
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Low-Carb Option: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or diced zucchini to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor.
No matter how you tweak it, the foundation remains strong—a savory, filling combination that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.
Ideal for All Skill Levels
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its accessibility. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, the instructions are straightforward and foolproof. You don’t need any special equipment beyond a good skillet, and you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. The entire meal comes together in about 30–35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy nights.
This recipe also serves as a great introduction to the principles of stovetop skillet cooking. Learning to brown ground meat properly, sauté vegetables for flavor, and manage moisture content are all foundational skills that you’ll use again and again.
Budget-Friendly and Family-Approved
Ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples, making this recipe a great option for anyone cooking on a budget. But just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean it skimps on flavor. In fact, this is the kind of recipe that can easily become a weekly staple because of how satisfying and cost-effective it is.
It’s also incredibly family-friendly. The mild flavors, soft textures, and appealing aroma make it a hit with kids and adults alike. If you have picky eaters, this dish is an easy win and you can always sneak in a few extra vegetables if you’re looking to up the nutrition.
What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potatoes
While this skillet meal can definitely stand on its own, you can round it out with a few simple sides:
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Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.
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Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great additions to your plate.
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Dinner Rolls or Bread: A warm piece of crusty bread can soak up any juices and complete the meal.
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Eggs: For a hearty brunch or breakfast-for-dinner twist, serve a fried egg on top of the skillet mix.
You could also use the beef and potato mixture as a filling for tacos, wraps, or even stuffed bell peppers. It’s so versatile that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you’re in need of a reliable, delicious dinner.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef and Potato Skillet isn’t just a meal, it’s a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. With its minimal prep, maximum flavor, and all-in-one-pan convenience, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for something hearty and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes.
It proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques to create something truly delicious. All you need is a skillet, a few staple ingredients, and a little bit of love.
Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dish for busy evenings or comfort food cravings.