If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in just one pan, look no further than this irresistible Beef and Potatoes Skillet. With just the right balance of savory ground beef, golden potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s the ultimate family-friendly dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: Everything cooks together in a single skillet—less mess, easier cleanup, and all the flavors meld beautifully!
- Super hearty & satisfying: With big chunks of potatoes, juicy beef, and protein-packed toppings, this meal is pure comfort food that really fills you up.
- Customizable to the max: The Beef and Potatoes Skillet adapts to your favorite veggies, spices, or level of heat—so it’s never boring!
- Weeknight-friendly: Comes together in just over half an hour, making it a life-saver for busy nights when you want something homemade and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef and Potatoes Skillet keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients you probably have on hand. Each element brings something special to the table, from the earthy potatoes to the flavorful spices!
- Canola oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up in the pan and gives everything a gorgeous golden sheen.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up beautifully, and they soak up all the savory flavors without falling apart.
- Lean ground beef (93%): Juicy and satisfying, with less grease to battle, making your skillet meal hearty but not heavy.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweet, aromatic depth and melds with the beef as it cooks.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds rich umami and a subtle tang—that magic beefy “something” in the background.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dish a little zing and depth—trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
- Smoked paprika: Threads smoky warmth into every bite.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to layer in garlicky goodness.
- Dried oregano: Brings herby, Mediterranean notes that complement the potatoes and beef.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for brightening and seasoning everything fully.
- Hot sauce: Optional but highly recommended—use as little or as much as you love for that lively kick!
- Green onions: Sprinkle over the finished dish for color, freshness, and a gentle oniony bite.
- Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, brown rice, or cauliflower rice (for serving): Optional but absolutely delicious—these toppings and sides turn your skillet into a personalized comfort bowl!
Variations
The beauty of the Beef and Potatoes Skillet is how flexible it is—feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients or dialing flavors up or down to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground “meat” for a lighter spin that’s just as delicious.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach when you add the peppers for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
- Go Tex-Mex: Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin, then top with cilantro and serve with tortilla chips for a Southwest twist.
- Make it Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese at the end for an oozy, melty finish.
How to Make Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Heat your canola oil in a skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering, then dial the heat down to medium. Toss in your diced potatoes and give them a good stir, letting them develop those golden, crispy edges while they soften (but they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). This step forms the backbone of that classic skillet comfort!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Add the ground beef, onion, and red bell pepper right into the skillet with the potatoes. Use your spatula to break the beef apart so it cooks evenly, absorbing all those aromatic flavors as it browns. This is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely irresistible!
Step 3: Season & Simmer
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, and sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and your preferred amount of hot sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the spices coat every bite. Let the whole mixture cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is cooked through.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Once everything is cooked and beautifully fragrant, turn off the heat and stir in your sliced green onions. Taste and adjust for salt or more heat as needed. Serve your Beef and Potatoes Skillet hot, garnished with Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, or over brown rice or cauliflower rice—however your heart desires!
Pro Tips for Making Beef and Potatoes Skillet
- Crispy Potato Perfection: Dice your potatoes small (¼-inch cubes) for the ideal quick-cooking, golden edges—and avoid overcrowding for even browning.
- Flavor Layering: Add your spices and sauces once the beef starts to brown, so the flavors can “bloom” into the mixture as it finishes cooking.
- Spice It Your Way: Start with less hot sauce, then amp it up at the end if you want a bolder kick—everyone gets their perfect level of heat!
- Easy Make-Ahead: Prep and dice your veggies earlier in the day or even the night before to streamline that dinnertime rush.
How to Serve Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Garnishes
Your Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a blank canvas for fun, fresh toppings. Sprinkle on extra green onions, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, or a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Each garnish adds a new layer (and makes every bite even more crave-worthy!).
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s equally amazing with simple sides. Serve it over fluffy brown rice or cauliflower rice, or pair with a fresh, crunchy salad, roasted broccoli, or even warm crusty bread for dunking!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Beef and Potatoes Skillet in individual bowls with all the toppings on the side—let everyone build their own “skillet bowl.” Or spoon it into baked bell pepper halves for a colorful, party-ready main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover Beef and Potatoes Skillet keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even deeper and more delicious by the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating when you’re ready for a cozy meal.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, or pop a serving in the microwave until heated through. Give it a fresh sprinkling of green onions or cheese before serving to revive the flavors!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato in this Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
Absolutely! Yukon golds are my favorite for their creamy texture and quick cooking, but russet or red potatoes work well too—just be sure to dice them small for even cooking.
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Is this recipe spicy?
It’s only as spicy as you make it! The hot sauce is totally customizable—start with a teaspoon for mild heat, then add more at the table to crank up the spice as you like.
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How can I make this Beef and Potatoes Skillet meal prep–friendly?
It’s great for meal prep! Cook everything as directed, cool, and portion into containers. You can enjoy it for lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
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Can I double or halve this recipe?
Yes! Halve it for a cozy meal for two, or double up for a crowd—just make sure your skillet is big enough to handle all the ingredients so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that’s hassle-free, flexible, and downright delicious, the Beef and Potatoes Skillet is calling your name. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite comfort meal!
Print
Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A hearty and flavorful recipe for Ground Beef and Potatoes that is quick and easy to make. This dish combines tender potatoes, lean ground beef, and a blend of savory seasonings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes (Yukon golds)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (sriracha)
For Serving:
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Extra hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Add potatoes and cook until golden and tender, about 6 minutes.
- Add Beef and Vegetables: Add beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook and break apart the meat.
- Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook until everything is tender and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in green onions. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with toppings of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
