Whipping up a Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet is like giving yourself a kitchen high-five: it’s big on flavor, short on fuss, and absolutely satisfying for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. This beloved classic is all about hearty comfort—layers of juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic onions tied together with a bold blend of spices and a kiss of optional melted cheddar on top. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply treating yourself, this is the kind of rustic, all-in-one dish that makes you want to grab a fork and dig right in. If you crave simple, wholesome ingredients with maximum deliciousness, you’ve just found your new go-to.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of kitchen staples transforms into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the signature taste and cozy texture that makes Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet such a standout. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for best results.

Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 ground beef for a great balance of flavor and moisture; drain off excess fat for a lighter dish.
Olive Oil: Just a splash lends richness and prevents sticking when searing the beef.
Onion: Chopped onion adds subtle sweetness and depth as it caramelizes with the beef.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives the skillet its irresistible aromatic backbone.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes melt into creamy, starchy layers—Russets or Yukon Golds work best.
Paprika: This spice introduces gentle warmth and a beautiful color.
Garlic Powder: Reinforces that satisfying garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Italian Seasoning: A dry blend of herbs wakes up the skillet with savory notes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors; start with a light hand and adjust as you go.
Beef Broth or Water: Adding a splash of liquid steams the potatoes to tender perfection and deepens overall flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top melts into gooey, craveable goodness—definitely worth trying!
Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens up the finished dish and adds a fresh pop of green.

How to Make Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef straight into the sizzling oil and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. The goal is to get it nicely browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s no longer pink and you’ve got a bit of flavorful caramelization on the edges, be sure to drain off any excess fat. This ensures your Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet isn’t greasy but still deeply savory.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them mingle with the ground beef. Stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion softens and turns a little golden. These aromatics infuse every bite with a classic, savory foundation.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Layer the thinly sliced potatoes right on top, nestling them into the beef mixture. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Give everything a generous stir, making sure those silky potato slices get well-coated in all those savory seasonings. This is where the skillet starts to smell irresistible!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the beef broth or water, then gently stir again to combine. Cover your skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the mixture simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the potatoes cook evenly and nothing sticks; the potatoes are ready when they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Melt Cheese on Top (Optional)

If you’re after an even cozier finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the surface, then cover the skillet again for another couple of minutes. The cheese will melt into a tempting, gooey blanket, taking your Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet to a whole new comfort level.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top to add brightness and a pop of color. Serve hot, right from the skillet—it’s all about rustic, family-style vibes!

How to Serve Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

Garnishes

Dress up your skillet with a shower of fresh parsley or even a handful of thinly sliced green onions for a punch of color and a hint of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a tangy or spicy kick that’s perfect for those who love a little extra zip.

Side Dishes

While the Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet is a meal in itself, it pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or some toasted bread to scoop up all those savory juices. If you want to round out the meal, a side of steamed green beans or a simple cucumber-tomato salad makes for a bright, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, family-style dinner, keep things casual by serving the skillet right in the pan at the table. If you’re feeling playful, portion the beef and potato mixture into individual oven-safe dishes, add cheese, and broil for a touch of crusty goodness—mini skillet casseroles are always a hit! Or, stuff leftovers into warm tortillas for an easy, comfort-food-inspired wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors even deepen with a little time—making next-day lunches something to look forward to.

Freezing

For longer storage, scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Try to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The skillet keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months; just label and date for easy reference.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until heated through—add a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. For the best texture, rewarm larger portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’ve added cheese, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two for that crave-worthy melty top!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well in this skillet. Just keep in mind that lean meats may need a little extra olive oil for flavor and moisture.

What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

For a creamy texture, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are your best bet. They hold up well to simmering and get wonderfully tender while soaking in all those skillet flavors.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or frozen peas make tasty additions. Just be sure to chop them small so they cook evenly with the potatoes and beef.

Do I have to use cheese on top?

Nope—cheese is completely optional. The Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet is delicious with or without it, so feel free to skip the cheese if you prefer a lighter dish or try a different cheese that melts well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the onions, or finish with crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to weeknight winners, it’s hard to beat the comfort, ease, and flavor of Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet. Whether you stick to the basics or have fun with add-ins and toppings, this recipe is sure to find a regular spot in your meal rotation. Give it a try, gather your favorite people, and get ready for some seriously delicious, down-to-earth cooking!

Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. With layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and optional melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onion is soft and translucent (3-4 minutes).
Incorporate Potatoes and Seasonings: Add thinly sliced potatoes to the skillet. Season with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything.
Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour beef broth or water over the mixture. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
Melt Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired. Cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
For a crispy topping, broil the dish in the oven for a few minutes after cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American