Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

The Best Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Everyone Will Love

Searing beef and potatoes in a single skillet creates a hearty meal that speaks directly to comfort.

Home cooks love this uncomplicated approach to dinner preparation.

Every bite promises robust flavors and satisfying textures that blend perfectly.

Quick weeknight cooking meets delicious simplicity with minimal cleanup required.

Professional chefs and amateur home cooks alike appreciate such straightforward culinary techniques.

Minimal ingredients maximize maximum taste in this no-fuss recipe that promises to become a household favorite.

Jump in and experience a meal that delivers both convenience and incredible flavor.

What Makes Beef And Potatoes Skillet So Worth Repeating

  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this hearty beef and potatoes skillet in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: One-pan magic that delivers rich, familiar flavors everyone loves, from kids to adults, with simple ingredients that create a delicious, filling dinner.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses just a single skillet, reducing dish washing time and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze, which means more relaxation and less kitchen stress.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste or nutrition.

What Builds A Beef And Potato Skillet

Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: Rich in protein, adds hearty flavor and main substance to the skillet dish. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
Starchy Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Onion: Provide bulk, texture, and natural sweetness to the meal. Select firm potatoes that hold shape during cooking, and use yellow or white onions for classic flavor.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance overall taste and add depth to the beef and potato mixture. Use fresh garlic for best flavor, and consider using smoked paprika for extra complexity.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle richness. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional topping that adds color and fresh herb taste. Chop finely just before serving for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Beef And Potatoes Skillet How You Cook It

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and sizzle until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and completely separates into crumbly pieces, which typically takes around 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Introduce the following ingredients into the skillet:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook these until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Potatoes And Seasonings

Mix in the following ingredients:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer, gently stirring every few minutes.

The potatoes will become wonderfully tender and absorb all the delicious flavors, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and added freshness.

Transfer the skillet directly to the table and serve piping hot, letting everyone dig into this comforting one-pan meal.

Beef And Potatoes Skillet – Tips For Even Browning

  • Brown ground beef on high heat to develop a rich, caramelized taste that adds depth to the dish.
  • Dice potatoes uniformly and stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  • Adjust paprika and black pepper to match your preferred heat intensity, making the skillet adaptable to different palates.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to increase the dish's vitamin and mineral content.
  • Use pre-chopped onions and potatoes to reduce cooking time and simplify the recipe for busy weeknights.

Best Way to Keep and Warm Up Beef and Potato Skillet

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm the beef and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Seal completely cooled skillet contents in freezer-safe containers, where they will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Skillet Beef & Potatoes Matches

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory beef flavors and cut through the hearty dish with its bold tannins.
  • Craft Beer Match: Select a malty amber ale or brown ale that echoes the earthiness of potatoes and provides a smooth, complementary backdrop to the ground beef's depth.
  • Fresh Herb Accent: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley not just as garnish but as a bright, zesty element that adds a clean, herbaceous note to balance the skillet's richness.
  • Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a tangy, refreshing contrast to the heavy, warm beef and potato combination.

Skillet Beef and Potatoes Comfort Combos

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower cubes or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the same cooking method and seasonings.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Version: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a southwestern flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free spices to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes and provide similar flavor and texture.

  • How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes 15-20 minutes of cooking.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific spice and seasoning labels to confirm.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this skillet meal in advance and reheat it in a skillet or microwave, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

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Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

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

Description

Hearty “beef and potatoes skillet” brings comfort from rustic American kitchens, blending savory meat with golden potato chunks. Sizzling one-pan magic delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave after a long day.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the olive oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet, creating a sizzling foundation for the hearty meal.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the hot surface, breaking it into crumbling pieces and allowing a rich golden-brown crust to develop across its surface.
  3. Incorporate finely minced onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
  4. Gently fold in cubed potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the savory meat mixture and seasoned with paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Reduce heat and cover the skillet, creating a steamy environment that will tenderize the potatoes and meld the flavors together, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
  6. After approximately 15-20 minutes, verify the potatoes have reached a perfect fork-tender consistency with a golden exterior.
  7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and freshness by sprinkling vibrant chopped parsley across the top, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier skillet meal.
  • Select waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper, more complex taste notes.
  • For gluten-free and low-carb variations, replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to maintain the hearty skillet concept while adapting to different dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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