Ground Beef Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, family-pleasing dinner that comes together in a snap, look no further than this Ground Beef Potato Skillet. Imagine fork-tender potatoes nestled with savory, spiced ground beef, bell peppers, and cheese all cooked up golden and bubbling in just one pan. Whether you’re feeding a crowd after a long day or simply craving some classic comfort food, this Ground Beef Potato Skillet brings big flavor, maximum coziness, and minimal dishes to wash after. It’s the one-pan meal everyone will want on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is at the heart of every great skillet dinner, and every ingredient here pulls double duty with flavor and texture. With just a handful of kitchen staples and a splash of color from veggies, you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and vibrant.

• Ground Beef: The classic base provides hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
• Potatoes: Dice them small so they cook quickly and become perfectly tender.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, kicking off the aromatic base.
• Garlic: Just two cloves elevate the entire skillet with irresistible aroma.
• Bell Pepper: A pop of color and juicy crunch that balances out the dish.
• Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and subtle warmth to every bite.
• Dried Oregano: Infuses a subtle herby note, tying the flavors together.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for making all the other flavors shine through.
• Olive Oil: Helps everything sauté beautifully and prevents sticking.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and a deep, savory essence that cooks into the potatoes.
• Shredded Cheese (optional): Melted on top for gooey goodness—choose your favorite kind!
• Fresh Parsley: For a final burst of freshness and a touch of green.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start with a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil—just enough to coat the bottom—then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when that irresistible aroma fills your kitchen and the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, crumble in the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula so it browns evenly. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and has developed a little rich, brown color. If there’s excess fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off (especially if you’re using beef with a higher fat content) so your skillet stays balanced and not greasy.

Step 3: Add Potatoes, Bell Pepper, and Seasonings

Scatter those diced potatoes and chopped bell pepper right into the skillet, followed by paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure all those beautiful spices coat the potatoes and beef. This is where the skillet really starts to come alive, both in flavor and color.

Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth

Pour in the beef broth and give the mixture a good stir. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, lifting the lid to stir every once in a while. The potatoes will soak up all that savory broth and soften beautifully, creating that signature comfort of a Ground Beef Potato Skillet.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Finish

If you’re adding cheese (and really, why wouldn’t you?), sprinkle your favorite shredded variety across the hot skillet. Cover again and let it melt for a final 2 to 3 minutes, just until gooey and irresistible. Finish everything with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving it up warm—they’ll be reaching for seconds!

How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Skillet

Garnishes

No skillet is complete without a little something extra on top! Brighten up your Ground Beef Potato Skillet with a handful of freshly chopped parsley for freshness, or scatter over some sliced green onions for a peppery kick. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce can also take it to the next level, especially if your crew loves a creamy or spicy touch.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed green veggies makes the meal even more inviting. Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls are great choices too—perfect for sopping up every last savory bit. Serve alongside roasted carrots, green beans, or even a tangy cucumber salad for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little playful, try scooping your Ground Beef Potato Skillet into individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or spoon the mixture over baked sweet potatoes for a fun, colorful mash-up. You could even tuck leftovers into crispy tortillas, fold them into wraps, or serve atop fluffy rice for easy, next-day lunches. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

There’s something magical about next-day Ground Beef Potato Skillet—those flavors just meld together even more. Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, making weeknight lunches or dinners a total breeze.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away for a future meal, Ground Beef Potato Skillet actually freezes pretty well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, let it cool, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, avoid freezing if you’ve topped it with lots of cheese—add that fresh when you reheat.

Reheating

To bring your skillet back to life, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry. You can also microwave individual portions—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot throughout. Add fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese just before serving for that just-made finish!

FAQs

Can I use another type of ground meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! This Ground Beef Potato Skillet is incredibly flexible. Try ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a slightly different flavor profile. Each option brings its own twist, so use what you have on hand or prefer.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Red or gold potatoes are ideal since they hold their shape and turn perfectly tender as they simmer. Russet potatoes work in a pinch but may become a little softer, so dice them a bit larger if you want more texture.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground or use a medley of beans and mushrooms instead. Also, substitute the beef broth for veggie broth to keep everything plant-powered and flavorful.

Why is my skillet too watery?

If your Ground Beef Potato Skillet seems a bit soupy, just uncover the pan during the last few minutes of simmering to let some of the liquid evaporate. Make sure your potatoes are diced small enough, as larger pieces can take longer to cook and release extra water.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, it is! Cook and cool the skillet completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and store for up to two months. For the very best results, consider adding cheese after thawing and reheating for ultimate meltiness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Ground Beef Potato Skillet—it’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again for fast, comforting dinners that everyone enjoys. Give it a go, mix and match your favorite flavors, and make it your own signature skillet!

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