Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort calls when a hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet lands on my kitchen counter.

Savory aromas drift through the room, promising a satisfying meal.

Rustic ingredients merge into a delightful one-pan wonder that speaks to classic home cooking.

Midwestern roots shine through this simple yet robust dish that feeds hungry souls.

Layers of seasoned meat and soft potato chunks create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this quick and filling recipe.

I guarantee you’ll want seconds of this comforting skillet sensation.

Why Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe Feeds A Crowd

  • Quick and Easy Comfort Meal: Whip up this hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet in just 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the crispy potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and colorful vegetables blended into one satisfying dish.
  • Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Customize with your favorite vegetables, cheese, or herbs to keep the meal exciting and adapt to your pantry ingredients.
  • Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, making it an economical option for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Ground Beef And Potato Skillet Parts

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich meaty protein that forms the main flavor foundation of the dish.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the ground beef's depth and provide savory undertones.
Vegetable Components:
  • Potatoes: Hearty base that adds substance and creates a satisfying, filling texture.
  • Bell Pepper: Optional vegetable that brings color and slight sweetness to the skillet.
  • Frozen Peas or Corn: Optional vegetables that add nutritional value and fresh color.
Seasoning and Finishing Touches:
  • Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and preventing sticking in the skillet.
  • Paprika: Warm spice that adds rich color and mild smoky flavor.
  • Dried Oregano: Herb that provides Mediterranean-style herbal notes.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy, tangy richness.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish that brings brightness and visual appeal.

Skillet Ground Beef With Potatoes Prep

Step 1: Crisp Up Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss diced potatoes into the pan and let them dance and sizzle.

Stir occasionally, allowing them to turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Once perfectly cooked, transfer the potatoes to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Using the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil.

Introduce ground beef to the hot surface and break it apart while cooking.

Let the meat develop a rich, caramelized color and release its delicious flavors.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in the following ingredients:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced bell pepper

Sauté these ingredients until they become tender and fragrant, releasing their sweet and savory essence.

Step 4: Season and Spice

Sprinkle in a blend of seasonings:
  • Paprika
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir to distribute the spices evenly across the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Reunite the Ingredients

Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet, mixing them gently with the seasoned beef and vegetables.

Step 6: Add Optional Vegetables

If desired, stir in:
  • Frozen peas
  • Corn kernels

Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through and the vegetables are warm.

Step 7: Create a Cheesy Finish

Optional: Scatter shredded cheese over the top of the skillet.

Allow it to melt and create a luxurious, gooey layer.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your hearty one-pan meal.

What You Should Know Before Sautéing Beef And Potatoes

  • Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish that can make your meal feel less enjoyable.
  • Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for crispy edges and soft interiors that hold up well during cooking.
  • Maintain medium heat to ensure potatoes become golden and crispy without burning, creating perfect caramelization and texture.
  • Swap peas or corn with other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to add extra nutrition and personal flair to the recipe.
  • Adjust spices to taste, experimenting with additional herbs like thyme or smoked paprika to elevate the dish's overall flavor profile.

Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent dryness.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture and restore original texture.
  • Seal completely cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beef & Potato Skillet Pairing Tips

  • Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the hearty ground beef and spices in the skillet.
  • Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes.
  • Add Tangy Sour Cream Drizzle: Top the skillet with a dollop of cold sour cream to provide a creamy contrast and cut through the robust flavors of the dish.
  • Recommend Craft Beer Pairing: Choose an amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones that will enhance the savory elements of the ground beef and potato skillet.

Ground Beef Potato Skillet Tasty Adjustments

  • Vegetarian Potato Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate version that's keto-friendly and equally flavorful.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use chili powder instead of paprika, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-style variation.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add dried oregano, and mix in kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check individual spice and ingredient labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.

  • How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during the seasoning step to increase the heat level according to your preference.

  • What if I don't have fresh bell peppers?

Frozen bell peppers or canned diced peppers work as substitutes. If you don’t have peppers at all, you can omit them or use another vegetable like zucchini or carrots.

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Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet delivers comfort on a plate, blending simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Savory seasonings and tender ingredients merge for a quick dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
  • 14 cup (59 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cast-iron skillet with olive oil over medium flame, then carefully distribute diced potatoes across the surface. Allow them to transform into golden, crispy morsels through occasional stirring, approximately 10-12 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a separate plate.
  2. Utilize the same skillet to brown ground beef, methodically crumbling the meat while cooking. Eliminate any accumulated excess fat to ensure a clean, lean preparation.
  3. Introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the beef mixture. Sauté these aromatic vegetables until they become translucent and tender, releasing their fragrant essence.
  4. Sprinkle a combination of paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper throughout the skillet, creating a robust flavor profile. Gently reintegrate the previously cooked potatoes into the meat mixture.
  5. Incorporate sweet green peas or vibrant corn kernels, allowing them to warm thoroughly and meld with the existing ingredients for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Optional: Cascade shredded cheese across the top of the skillet, permitting it to melt luxuriously and create a creamy, indulgent layer.
  7. Finish the dish by delicately scattering fresh parsley over the surface, providing a bright, herbaceous garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot, directly from the skillet.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture and less falling apart during cooking.
  • Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve perfect browning and prevent steaming.
  • Drain excess fat from beef to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner-tasting dish.
  • Customize the skillet by adding different vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
  • For a low-carb version, replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce calories.
  • Boost protein content by adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top.
  • Make the dish spicier by incorporating red pepper flakes or using hot paprika instead of regular.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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