Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Savory ground beef and potatoes create a satisfying skillet that promises comfort in every single bite.

Hearty ingredients meld together with simple seasonings for a no-fuss meal.

Home cooks appreciate quick dinners that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Rustic and filling, this dish speaks to those who love uncomplicated, delicious eating.

Packed with protein and robust flavors, the skillet comes together in less than thirty minutes.

Rich aromas will draw everyone around the table, eager to dig into this classic combination.

Jump in and make this recipe – your hunger will thank you.

Why Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Is a Weeknight Win

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This ground beef and potatoes skillet delivers a hearty, satisfying meal packed with flavor in just minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious one-pan dinner.
  • Master Easy Cooking: Beginner cooks can confidently create this dish with simple techniques like sautéing potatoes and browning ground beef, making it an approachable recipe for kitchen newbies.
  • Customize Your Spice: Play with heat levels by adjusting hot sauce, allowing everyone to personalize their plate and enjoy a meal that suits individual taste preferences without complicated modifications.
  • Nutrition in One Pan: Loaded with protein from beef, vitamins from bell peppers and onions, and hearty potatoes, this skillet meal provides a balanced nutritional profile in a single convenient serving.

All You Need for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the skillet dish.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add texture and create a satisfying base for the meal.
  • Onions: A foundational ingredient that brings depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet and colorful element to the skillet.
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh and mild onion flavor as a final garnish.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Hot Sauce: A complex blend of seasonings that create a robust and layered taste experience for the dish.
Cooking Oils:
  • Canola Oil: Used for cooking and helping ingredients brown and develop flavor.
Optional Toppings:
  • Greek Yogurt, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy and tangy additions that can enhance the final presentation and taste of the skillet.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Heat canola oil in a large skillet over high heat until it’s sizzling hot. Reduce heat to medium and toss in diced potatoes.

Stir the potatoes frequently, allowing them to develop a golden color and become tender, which takes about 6 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Protein and Vegetables

Add ground beef, chopped onions, and diced red bell peppers to the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to break down the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning.

Step 3: Build Flavor Profile

Introduce a blend of seasonings to elevate the dish:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Hot sauce

Mix these ingredients thoroughly, adjusting the hot sauce to match your preferred spice level.

Step 4: Complete Cooking Process

Continue cooking and breaking down the beef. Ensure the potatoes and onions reach a perfect tenderness while the beef cooks completely, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.

Fold in sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Sample the skillet dish and fine-tune seasonings as needed.

Serve piping hot with optional toppings like Greek yogurt or sour cream. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra richness.

Pair with rice or enjoy the skillet as a standalone meal. Additional hot sauce can be offered for heat lovers.

Tips for Tasty Ground Beef and Potatoes

  • Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy, firm texture that holds up well during cooking.
  • Control heat intensity by adjusting hot sauce quantity, allowing personalized spice levels for different preferences.
  • Drain excess beef fat after browning to reduce greasiness and create a lighter, cleaner-tasting dish.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder and letting ingredients caramelize slightly before adding seasonings.
  • Consider low-fat alternatives like ground turkey or lean ground beef for a healthier protein option without compromising taste.

Ways to Change Up Ground Beef Skillet Meals

  • Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace Worcestershire sauce with chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and top with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Swap bell peppers for zucchini, add crumbled feta cheese, use dried oregano, and finish with a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute potatoes with riced cauliflower, increase spices, and garnish with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
  • Hearty Ranch Style: Mix in ranch seasoning instead of individual spices, add corn kernels, and top with crispy ranch-seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch.

Easy Pairings for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

  • Pairing Powerhouses for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
  • – Crisp Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, meaty flavors and complement the dish's smoky paprika and spicy undertones.
  • – Zesty Side Salad Solution: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the skillet's hearty profile, adding freshness and acidity that enhances the meal's depth.
  • – Cool Creamy Contrast: Dollop extra Greek yogurt or sour cream on top to temper the dish's spiciness and provide a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the robust beef and potato mixture.

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled skillet to freezer-safe container. Wrap securely and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Reheat Microwave: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through and steaming.

Quick Answers About This Skillet Favorite

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to beef in this skillet recipe.

  • How do I prevent potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan, and make sure to stir frequently while cooking potatoes to avoid burning.

  • Is this dish healthy?

This recipe is protein-packed and includes vegetables, making it a balanced one-pan meal. You can further reduce calories by using lean ground meat and Greek yogurt.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check that all your spices are certified gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet delivers comfort straight from home kitchens with robust flavors melding perfectly. Savory meat and crispy potato cubes create a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul in one simple, delicious pan.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 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 additional to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as sriracha), plus more for serving

Serving Options:

  • Non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large skillet and heat canola oil over medium-high temperature until it glistens, carefully add diced potatoes and sauté, stirring consistently to ensure even golden browning and softening, approximately 6 minutes.
  2. Introduce ground beef, finely chopped onions, and vibrant red bell peppers into the skillet, using a utensil to methodically break down and separate the meat during cooking.
  3. Enhance flavor profile by incorporating Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and hot sauce, carefully calibrating spice intensity to personal preference.
  4. Maintain consistent stirring and cooking until potatoes become tender, onions soften, and beef reaches complete doneness, typically requiring 6-8 additional minutes of cooking time.
  5. Incorporate freshly sliced green onions, allowing their bright flavor to permeate the dish.
  6. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as necessary to achieve optimal flavor balance.
  7. Transfer to serving plates, optionally garnishing with Greek yogurt or sour cream, sprinkle shredded cheese, and pair with rice or enjoy independently with extra hot sauce for those desiring additional heat.

Notes

  • Potato Perfection: Par-boil diced potatoes briefly before skillet cooking for faster, more even golden-brown results without burning.
  • Lean Meat Magic: Choose ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, healthier dish.
  • Spice Flexibility: Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity or substituting with red pepper flakes for consistent flavor control.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version or use ground turkey for lower-fat alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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