Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes

Name: Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Quick Meals Recipes

I absolutely love how quick and satisfying this Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes is to whip up. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The blend of savory ground beef with tender, golden potatoes creates a hearty meal that the whole family enjoys. I've made this dish countless times, and each time, the comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:49:36.341Z

When I first made this Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple yet delicious it turned out. I find that browning the beef first allows it to develop a rich flavor that perfectly complements the earthy potatoes. I like to season it with garlic and onion, enhancing the overall taste.

What makes this skillet dish stand out is the way the ingredients meld together as they cook, creating a comforting and hearty meal. I often add in some frozen vegetables at the end to sneak in some extra nutrition without extra effort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pan meal makes for hassle-free cooking and cleaning.
Savory flavors and tender potatoes create a satisfying dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Essential Techniques for a Perfect Skillet

The key technique to achieving a flavorful ground beef base lies in the browning process. Make sure to use medium-high heat when cooking the beef; this helps to render the fat and develop a rich, caramelized flavor. Stir the meat occasionally with a spatula to ensure even browning and to prevent it from steaming. You want to see little bits of brown on the bottom of the skillet, which indicates great flavor is forming that will enhance the entire dish.

Don't rush the sautéing of the onions and garlic. Cooking them until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes, allows their natural sugars to caramelize, adding sweetness and depth to your skillet. Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning the garlic, which can turn bitter if cooked too quickly. Pay attention to the texture; onions should be soft and slightly glossy for the best results.

Choosing and Preparing Potatoes

For this recipe, I recommend using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape well during cooking and create a creamy texture inside. When dicing the potatoes, aim for uniform pieces about 1-inch in size to ensure they cook evenly. If you're in a pinch, frozen diced potatoes can be a handy substitute—just reduce the cooking time as they're pre-cooked and only need to be heated through.

After adding the potatoes, it's crucial to stir them occasionally as they cook. This prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and promotes even cooking. Covering the skillet helps retain moisture and steam the potatoes, speeding up their cooking time. Aim for a cooking time of about 15-20 minutes; you’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Serving and Storing Your Skillet Meal

This skillet dish is best served hot as soon as it’s done cooking. If you want to elevate the meal, try serving it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For extra freshness, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley not only enhances presentation but adds a burst of flavor. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of hot sauce for those who like a little heat.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. For best quality, consume within three months, and reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain the flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything on hand for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Skillet masterpiece:

Step 1: Brown the beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes

Add the diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious meal that’s come together in just one skillet!

Pro Tips

For added nutrition, toss in some chopped bell peppers or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.

Ingredient Versatility

While this recipe calls for ground beef, it's incredibly adaptable. Ground turkey or chicken can be great lean alternatives, providing a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or black beans, adjusting the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and weaved into the other ingredients. Just make sure to season accordingly, as these alternatives may require more spices to enhance the flavors.

Another ingredient you can swap out is the type of onion. While yellow onions are traditional, red or even shallots can add a different sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices as well. Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder can introduce a delightful kick, while herbs like thyme or oregano can complement the savory elements nicely.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your potatoes aren't cooking through by the end of the cooking time, there are a couple of solutions. First, ensure the heat is at medium and the skillet is covered for the majority of the cooking time. If they still seem undercooked, you can add a splash of broth and cover them back up for a few more minutes. This will give them the steam they need to soften entirely without burning the beef.

Another common issue might be excess liquid in the skillet. If you find there's too much moisture, simply remove the lid and let the dish simmer uncovered for a few minutes. This will help evaporate some of the liquid, allowing for a more cohesive final dish. Stir gently during this process to keep the beef and potatoes from sticking while absorbing the delicious juices.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner option.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge to make cooking quicker.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple salad or steamed vegetables would complement this hearty skillet meal perfectly.

→ How can I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.