Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Comfort meets convenience with this one-pan wonder that promises deliciousness in minutes.

Busy cooks appreciate meals that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

potatoes absorb rich, savory seasonings while beef creates a deeply satisfying base.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this skillet delivers precisely that.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal cleanup.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single bite of this comforting classic.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet – Quick, Savory Dinner Fix

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• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Craft a dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results, even for novice bakers.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a versatile dessert that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend celebrations.
• Quick Comfort Dessert: Prepare a no-fuss recipe that comes together quickly, delivering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort and clean-up.

Everything You’ll Need For Beef And Potatoes Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that creates the base of the skillet dish with rich flavor.

• Potatoes, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: These fresh vegetables add texture, depth, and nutritional value to the skillet meal.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: These classic spices bring warmth and complexity to the ground beef and potatoes.
• Beef Broth or Water: Provides moisture and helps blend the flavors during simmering.

• Shredded Cheese, Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: These ingredients add extra layers of flavor and fresh visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor to the skillet.

Quick Steps To Skillet Ground Beef And Potatoes

Step 1: Sizzle Potato Chunks

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in potato cubes and cook until they turn slightly golden and become tender, stirring occasionally.

Transfer potatoes to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Use the same skillet and add more olive oil.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the meat develops a rich, caramel-brown color and no pink remains.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell peppers

Sauté until vegetables become soft and release their aromatic oils.

Step 4: Season The Skillet Mixture

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly across the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Combine And Simmer

Return potato chunks to the skillet. Pour beef broth or water over the mixture.

Let everything bubble gently for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Finish With Garnishes

• Shredded cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sliced green onions

Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tasty Tricks For Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

• Soak potatoes in cold water before dicing to remove excess starch, ensuring a crispier texture when cooking.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor and protein.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique taste profiles.
• Season generously and taste as you cook, adjusting spices to match your preference for a personalized meal.
• Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower as low-carb alternatives for a diet-friendly version of this hearty skillet dish.

Flavorful Tweaks For Beef And Potatoes Skillet

• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace thyme with chili powder and cumin. Add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Top with fresh cilantro and pepper jack cheese.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Swap bell peppers for zucchini. Add dried oregano and crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with kalamata olives and fresh mint.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh rosemary and sage instead of thyme. Mix in chopped spinach during final cooking stage. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
• Moroccan Spice Fusion: Include ground cinnamon and turmeric. Stir in raisins and sliced almonds. Finish with a dollop of yogurt and chopped parsley.

Favorite Pairings With Beef And Potatoes Skillet

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight
• Serve this hearty skillet directly from the pan at the dinner table, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages family sharing and connection.
• Comfort Bowl Style
• Scoop the beef and potato mixture into deep bowls, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition.
• Loaded Potato Twist
• Transform the skillet into a loaded potato-style dish by adding crispy bacon bits, sour cream dollops, and extra green onions for a crowd-pleasing variation that elevates the basic recipe.
• Game Night Appetizer
• Scoop the mixture onto small toasted baguette slices or crackers, creating delicious mini-appetizers perfect for casual gatherings, sports watching, or weekend snacking.

Store Beef And Potatoes Skillet For More Meals

• Transfer leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the dish completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through completely.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a little extra broth if the mixture seems dry.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and broth are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce during cooking to increase the heat level to your preference.

• What are some budget-friendly tips for this recipe?

Buy ground beef when it’s on sale, use seasonal vegetables, and opt for store-brand spices to keep costs down while maintaining great flavor.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet delivers a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Savory ingredients combine for a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium russet or yukon gold potatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme or italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
• Shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized cast-iron skillet over medium heat, transforming the potatoes into golden-edged morsels through gentle sautéing for 10-12 minutes until they achieve a tender texture. Transfer the partially cooked potatoes to a separate plate.
2. Using the identical skillet, introduce additional olive oil and carefully distribute ground beef, methodically fragmenting the meat while allowing it to develop a rich, caramelized brown exterior.
3. Incorporate finely diced onion, minced garlic, and vibrant red bell pepper into the browned meat, allowing these aromatics to soften and release their fragrant essence.
4. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and cracked black pepper throughout the skillet, thoroughly integrating the seasonings with the meat mixture.
5. Gently reintroduce the previously cooked potatoes into the skillet, cascading beef broth to create a succulent environment, then allow the ingredients to meld and tenderize through a 5-minute simmer.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile by generously crowning the skillet with melted shredded cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and optional green onion garnish for a final flourish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
• Par-boil potatoes briefly before skillet cooking to reduce overall cooking time and ensure more even, crispy exterior texture.
• Choose waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better holding shape and preventing mushy texture during cooking.
• Drain excess beef fat after browning to create a lighter, less greasy meal without sacrificing rich taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg