Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Looking for a quick, budget-friendly, and flavorful meal that comes together in one skillet? This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a perfect choice. It combines tender ground beef, crispy potatoes, and savory seasonings into a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to customize and made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Whether you serve it on its own, with a side of veggies, or with a simple salad, it’s a versatile meal that everyone will love. Read on for the full recipe and tips to make this delicious skillet dish your new go-to dinner!

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What is Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?

A Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a simple yet filling dish where seasoned ground beef is cooked with crispy diced or sliced potatoes in a single skillet. The beef and potatoes are browned to perfection and cooked with onions, garlic, and other seasonings to create a savory and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for feeding a family or preparing ahead for the week, and it’s highly customizable with vegetables, cheese, or sauces.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

To make this easy and delicious dish, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 4 medium potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, for added flavor and color)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup beef broth (optional, for extra moisture and flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice; optional)

Ingredients List for Toppings (Optional but Recommended)

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a creamy topping)
• Hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
• Ketchup or BBQ sauce (for added flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to modify based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Meat Substitutions: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each of these will provide a different flavor profile but work just as well in this recipe.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Cheesy Skillet: Add a layer of cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) at the end and let it melt over the beef and potatoes for a comforting, cheesy finish.
• Spice Adjustments: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for more heat. You can also switch out the paprika for smoked paprika to give the dish a subtle smoky flavor.
• Different Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or baby red potatoes can be used instead of standard Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet:

1. Cook the Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Season the Beef: Sprinkle the paprika, cumin, chili powder, thyme, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly in the spices. Add the beef broth (if using) to deglaze the pan and give the dish more moisture and flavor. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine the Potatoes and Beef: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir everything together, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Add Cheese (Optional): If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt over the beef and potatoes, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot, with optional toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or ketchup on the side.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

For quick reference, here’s a simplified guide to cooking this dish:

• Step 1: Brown the potatoes in a skillet and set them aside.
• Step 2: Brown the ground beef, then add onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Step 3: Season the beef with paprika, cumin, and other spices.
• Step 4: Add beef broth to deglaze the pan.
• Step 5: Combine the potatoes and beef, stir, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Step 6: Add cheese on top (optional), cover, and let it melt.
• Step 7: Serve with garnishes and toppings of your choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Undercooking the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender inside before adding them back into the skillet. This ensures the perfect texture balance between the potatoes and the beef.
• Not Draining Excess Fat: If your ground beef is fatty, make sure to drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy dish. Using lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) will help prevent this.
• Skipping the Seasonings: Don’t skip the spices—they’re key to infusing the beef and potatoes with flavor. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste, but make sure to season both the beef and the potatoes.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet even more appealing with these tips:

• Serve in the Skillet: For a rustic presentation, serve the dish directly from the skillet at the table. Just make sure to let the skillet cool down slightly to avoid burning anyone’s hands.
• Add Garnishes: Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
• Accompany with a Side: Serve the skillet with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm piece of bread to round out the meal.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Here are a few ways to serve this versatile dish:

• On Its Own: Serve it as a complete meal right from the skillet. It’s hearty and satisfying on its own.
• With a Side of Veggies: Pair the dish with steamed or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.
• Topped with a Fried Egg: For a breakfast-for-dinner twist, top each serving with a fried or poached egg. The runny yolk adds an extra layer of richness.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Elevate your dish with these simple presentation ideas:

• Serve Family-Style: Bring the skillet to the table and let everyone serve themselves. Add small bowls of optional toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, and cheese for people to customize their plates.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top for a colorful and appetizing finish.
• Use Cast Iron: If you have a cast iron skillet, use it for cooking and serving. Cast iron holds heat well and gives the dish a rustic, homey feel.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the beef and potatoes ahead of time and reheat them just before serving. This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch and store individual portions in airtight containers for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. You can make it more savory with more thyme or spicier with added chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes! Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious alternative. They’ll add a slight sweetness to the dish, which complements the savory beef well.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely. You can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even frozen peas to the skillet. Just cook the vegetables until tender before adding the potatoes back in.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping. Store the cooked beef and potatoes in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze it! Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights when you want something quick, hearty, and comforting. Packed with flavorful beef, crispy potatoes, and simple seasonings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize to suit your tastes. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding the family, or just looking for a quick dinner idea, this recipe has you covered. Try it out tonight and enjoy a warm, delicious meal in no time!

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