Quick and Delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a delightful ground beef and potatoes skillet brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients mingle together in one pan, creating a simple yet satisfying meal.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this straightforward recipe that promises maximum flavor.

Minimal dishes and maximum enjoyment define this classic combination of protein and starch.

Crispy potato edges and perfectly seasoned meat guarantee a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this skillet comes together without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to dive into this warm, filling meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Gather around and savor every delicious bite of this irresistible skillet sensation.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Summary

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This ground beef and potato skillet delivers delicious homestyle cooking in just one pan, making dinner prep a breeze for busy families.
  • Master Easy Cooking: Perfect for beginners, the recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques that guarantee a satisfying meal without complicated steps.
  • Customize Your Meal: Flexible dish allows adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, transforming the basic recipe into a personalized family favorite that suits different tastes.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, this recipe provides a hearty, filling meal that won't strain your grocery budget while still delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that provides the base for this skillet dish.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Onion, Garlic: A classic combination that adds texture, depth of flavor, and aromatic notes to the recipe.
Seasonings and Cooking Components:
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish and provide a warm, slightly spicy profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sauté ingredients and prevent sticking while adding a subtle richness.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh, herbal finish to the skillet meal.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil across its surface. Warm the skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers and moves smoothly around the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Tumble the ground beef into the hot skillet. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.

Let the beef develop a rich, golden-brown color and release its savory flavors.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Companions

Toss in the chopped ingredients:
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and soft, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Introduce Potatoes and Spices

Fold in the diced potatoes along with your seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer. The potatoes will become tender and absorb all the delicious beef flavors, typically taking 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Create Crispy Potato Magic

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to transform the potatoes into crispy, golden bites.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the skillet directly from the pan while it’s piping hot and irresistibly delicious.

Tips for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
  • Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Add a splash of beef broth or water if potatoes seem dry during cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne for a flavor twist.
  • Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan to achieve perfectly crispy potato edges without burning.

Flavor Variations for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

  • Vegetarian Potato Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Add chili powder, cumin, and diced jalapeños for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and increase vegetable intake.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Include oregano, rosemary, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the dish with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

  • Family Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty skillet over fluffy white rice or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious meat and potato juices.
  • Rustic Taco Night Twist: Transform the dish into taco filling by adding warm tortillas, fresh salsa, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream on the side.
  • Breakfast Power Bowl: Top the skillet with a sunny-side-up egg, sprinkle crispy bacon bits, and serve alongside toast for a protein-packed morning meal.
  • Leftover Magic Casserole: Layer the beef and potato mixture in a baking dish, cover with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake until golden for a quick next-day lunch or dinner.

Storage Advice for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep the skillet dish in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Allow the meal to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer leftovers to a shallow container for faster and more even cooling.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef and potatoes are affordable ingredients that create a hearty, filling meal for the whole family.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the skillet and reheat it later, but the potatoes might lose some crispiness. For best results, cook and serve immediately.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Quick and Delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Quick and Delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic ground beef and potatoes skillet delivers a hearty one-pan meal packed with savory comfort. Home cooks will enjoy this simple, satisfying dinner that combines tender ingredients with robust flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Garnish and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with a gentle glow.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the pan, fragmenting the meat with a wooden spatula as it sizzles and transforms into a rich, caramel-brown color.
  3. Sprinkle chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, allowing them to dance and soften, releasing their aromatic essence.
  4. Tumble diced potatoes into the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dusting of paprika for depth of flavor.
  5. Cloak the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, letting the potatoes simmer and tenderize for approximately 15-20 minutes, creating a gentle steaming environment.
  6. Remove the lid, revealing the partially cooked ingredients, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to encourage crispy edges and caramelization.
  7. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
  8. Transfer the skillet directly to the table, serving the meal piping hot and inviting diners to savor the rustic, comforting blend of flavors.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture and less chance of falling apart during cooking.
  • Season boldly with additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth and kick, adjusting heat levels to personal preference.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process for more vegetables and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star