Ground Beef and Potatoes Easy Skillet Dinner Recipe

Name: Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil (or olive oil); 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes; 1 pound ground beef (90–93% lean); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 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; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha); 2 green onions, sliced thinly; Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for serving; Shredded cheddar cheese, optional; Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice, optional; Extra hot sauce for garnish

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Simple ingredients, big flavor this Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe transforms everyday staples into a hearty, one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes. If you’re craving something comforting, quick, and full of rich savory taste, this skillet dinner delivers every time. Made with tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and warm spices, it’s the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” on a busy night.

If you love easy meals that bring everyone to the table, try my Arroz Frito or Homemade Hamburger Helper next for more weeknight favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet is more than just a simple dinner. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your table with happy faces. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes.
Made with simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Cooked in one pan for effortless cleanup.
A hearty, family-friendly dinner that satisfies everyone.
Customizable with your favorite spices, veggies, or toppings.

Unlike other versions, this recipe perfectly balances tenderness, flavor, and texture. Each bite delivers golden potatoes, juicy beef, and a touch of smoky warmth that feels like home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend meal, this dish hits all the right notes.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this flavorful Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet. Below is the ingredient list, grouped for clarity and enhanced with a few helpful notes.

Fresh ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes laid out on a wooden board. — All the simple and fresh ingredients you need for Ground Beef and Potatoes.

For the Base

2 tablespoons canola oil (or olive oil for extra richness)
1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes, about ¼ inch (Yukon Golds or Russet work best)
1 pound ground beef, preferably 90–93% lean for less grease

For Flavor and Color

1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, diced for sweetness and color
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for deep umami flavor
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to add tang and balance

Seasoning Blend

2 teaspoons smoked paprika for a warm smoky touch
1 teaspoon garlic powder for savory depth
1 teaspoon dried oregano for an herby note
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce such as Sriracha for adjustable heat

For Garnish and Serving

2 green onions, sliced thinly for freshness
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy finish
Shredded cheddar cheese if desired
Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice for serving options
Extra hot sauce if you love a little extra kick

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to make a hearty and flavorful skillet meal that comes together in minutes. Each step builds flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and satisfying.

Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook the Potatoes
Place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to turn golden and become slightly tender. This step helps them develop that delicious crispy edge while keeping the centers soft.

Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Ground Beef and Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and add the ground beef to the skillet along with the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook while breaking up the beef with a spoon until the meat begins to brown and the vegetables start to soften. The onions should turn translucent and the peppers slightly tender.

Add diced potatoes and stir until coated and starting to crisp.

Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and your preferred amount of hot sauce. Stir everything well to coat the beef and potatoes evenly. Allow it to cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is cooked through.

Simmer until potatoes are tender and beef is perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches
Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a burst of fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. You can also enjoy it over cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a complete and filling meal. Add a dash of extra hot sauce if you prefer a little extra heat.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs. Try one of these delicious twists to keep the meal exciting every time you make it.

Loaded Skillet Version
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the finished dish while it’s still warm. Cover the skillet for a minute to let the cheese melt into a gooey, irresistible topping.

Spicy Kick
If you enjoy bold flavors, stir in diced jalapeños or an extra splash of hot sauce while cooking. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add gentle heat without overpowering the other ingredients.

Low-Carb Option
Replace the potatoes with diced cauliflower or turnips for a lighter, low-carb variation. Cook them in the same way until tender and golden for a satisfying alternative.

Veggie Boost
Add in your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color, texture, and nutrients.

Each variation keeps the spirit of this recipe while adding its own twist, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or what you have on hand.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet is versatile and perfect for both immediate enjoyment and meal prep. Here are some ideas to make the most of your dish.

Serving Suggestions
Serve the skillet on its own for a hearty dinner or pair it with cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Top with a fried or poached egg for a breakfast-inspired twist. Leftovers can be transformed into a flavorful breakfast hash by reheating in a skillet until crispy, or wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla for a portable lunch or dinner option.

Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the texture and crispiness of the potatoes. Avoid freezing the dish, as the potatoes can become mealy when thawed, which affects the overall texture.

With these tips, your Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet stays convenient, delicious, and ready to enjoy even after the initial meal.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet is a simple, satisfying, and flavorful meal that fits perfectly into any weeknight dinner routine. With just a few ingredients, one pan, and less than 30 minutes, you can create a dish that is hearty, comforting, and loved by the whole family. The tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and carefully balanced spices make every bite memorable.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and share your experience. Don’t forget to give it a star rating to help others discover it. Share this recipe on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social platform to spread the deliciousness. What variations did you try in your skillet? Let us know, we love seeing your creative twists.

FAQs

What are some meals that can be made with ground beef?

Ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes including tacos, meatballs, burgers, casseroles, and skillet dinners like this Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe. It pairs well with both vegetables and grains, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.

What to add to ground beef for taste?

Enhance the flavor of ground beef by adding spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper. Ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or hot sauce can also deepen the flavor. Fresh herbs and vegetables further boost both taste and texture.

How do you jazz up hamburger meat?

Transform hamburger meat by cooking it with onions, peppers, or mushrooms. Adding sauces like Worcestershire or soy sauce, as well as spices and seasonings, can elevate the flavor. Finishing with a touch of cheese or fresh herbs can also make the dish more vibrant and satisfying.

What can I mix with hamburger meat?

Hamburger meat pairs well with vegetables, grains, or legumes. Mix it with diced potatoes, rice, beans, or quinoa to create hearty meals. You can also combine it with sauces, tomato paste, or cheese for casseroles, stuffed peppers, or skillet dishes.