Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Why make this recipe
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a fantastic dish for a busy weeknight. It combines the rich flavors of ground beef with crispy potatoes and fresh vegetables all cooked in one skillet. This makes for an easy cleanup, and it’s a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or tweak the spices to suit your taste.
How to make Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 1 lb. potatoes (about 2 medium) in ½ inch dice
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 and ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed until lightly browned underneath, about 2 minutes.
- Stir the potatoes and cook undisturbed again for another 2 minutes to brown them more.
- Use a wooden spoon to move the potatoes to one side of the skillet.
- Add ground beef to the other side of the skillet.
- Sprinkle the potatoes and the beef with salt and pepper.
- Break up the ground beef with the wooden spoon and spread it over the empty side of the skillet. Press down on the beef with the spoon.
- Cook the beef for 4 minutes, undisturbed. Stir the potatoes occasionally.
- If there is excess fat from the beef, you can scoop it off if desired.
- On top of the potatoes and beef, add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and paprika. Flip and stir everything until mixed.
- Cook until the vegetables are soft, beef is no longer pink, and potatoes are fork-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle cheese on top, allowing the steam to melt the cheese.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve.
How to serve Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. It’s perfect as a main course and pairs well with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables on the side. You can also serve it with hot sauce or your favorite dipping sauce to add more flavor.
How to store Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to make Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
- Cut the potatoes uniformly to ensure they cook evenly.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños to the mix.
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Feel free to add in other vegetables like zucchini or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using different cheeses like Mozzarella or Pepper Jack if you want a spicier kick. You can also add different spices or herbs based on your preference.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. -
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to portion out for meal prep and can be reheated throughout the week.

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed until lightly browned underneath, about 2 minutes.
- Stir the potatoes and cook undisturbed again for another 2 minutes to brown them more.
- Use a wooden spoon to move the potatoes to one side of the skillet.
- Add ground beef to the other side of the skillet.
- Sprinkle the potatoes and the beef with salt and pepper.
- Break up the ground beef with the wooden spoon and spread it over the empty side of the skillet. Press down on the beef with the spoon.
- Cook the beef for 4 minutes, undisturbed. Stir the potatoes occasionally.
- If there is excess fat from the beef, you can scoop it off if desired.
- On top of the potatoes and beef, add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and paprika. Flip and stir everything until mixed.
- Cook until the vegetables are soft, beef is no longer pink, and potatoes are fork-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle cheese on top, allowing the steam to melt the cheese.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve.