There’s something so good about Ground Beef and Potato Skillet on the tablethe way those golden potato chunks get crispy on the edges while the beef stays tender and savory. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a hug, all in one pan.
I made this on a Tuesday night last spring when I was too tired to even think about what to cook, and it completely saved me. The whole thing came together in about 25 minutes, and I remember my daughter saying the potatoes tasted “like the crispy ones from breakfast, but better.” After ten years of recipe testing, I’ve learned that browning the beef firstthen letting those potatoes soak up all that flavormakes all the difference. When I don’t feel like cooking, this turns the whole evening around.
Olivia Farnsworth
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Easy Weeknight Dinner
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate easy dinner and one pan meal perfect for any weeknight meal. It’s a comforting family dinner that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese for a quick American stovetop dish everyone will love.
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat.
Arrange the diced potatoes in a single layer and cook without moving for about 2 minutes until the bottom is slightly browned. Give them a quick stir and let them brown again for 2 more minutes.
Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the other side. Season both with salt and pepper.
Break the ground beef apart with a wooden spoon and spread it out to cover its half of the pan. Press it down and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, stirring the potatoes occasionally.
Scoop out any extra grease from the beef if you like.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and smoked paprika over the beef and potatoes. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Continue cooking while stirring now and then until the veggies soften, the beef turns fully brown, and the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Turn off the stove, sprinkle shredded Cheddar on top, and let the heat melt the cheese.
Finish by adding the chopped green onions over the skillet and serve hot.
Notes
For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne or half a teaspoon of hot sauce when you add the smoked paprika. This dish is also fantastic topped with a fried egg or a dollop of sour cream.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy One-Pan Meal
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is one of those reliable weeknight wins that gets you back into a rhythmwhen you’re tired and still want dinner to feel like dinner.
Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, so there’s less to wash when you’re already exhausted.
Budget-friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are everyday staples that don’t break the bank.
Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love crispy potatoes and melty Cheddar cheese.
Flexible: Add a fried egg or sour cream on top, or keep it simple as-is.
The Magic of Browning First
The secret to deep, savory flavor is giving the potatoes and beef their own time to brown without moving them around too much. When you press the beef down and let it sit undisturbed, you get those caramelized bits that make the whole dish taste richer.
After years of testing skillet dinners, I’ve learned that patienceeven just two minutescreates crispy potato edges and a golden crust on the beef that’s worth the wait.
Key Ingredients You’ll Use
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Potatoes
Dice them into 1/2-inch pieces so they cook evenly and get crispy on the edges.
Lean ground beef
Less grease means easier cleanup and a cleaner-tasting dish.
Smoked paprika
Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness without any heat.
Cheddar cheese
Melts beautifully over the hot skillet and ties everything together.
Bell pepper & onion
Give the dish sweetness and texture.
Pro Tip: If you want a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne or 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce when you add the smoked paprika.
How to Make It Work on a Busy Night
Start by heating your oil over medium-high heat, then add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Let them sit for about 2 minutes before stirringthis is when they get golden and crispy underneath. After another 2 minutes, push them to one side and add the ground beef to the other half of the skillet.
Season everything with salt and pepper, then break up the beef and press it down so it browns evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for 4 minutes while you stir the potatoes occasionally. If there’s excess fat, scoop it off with a spoon.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika on top of everything, then flip and stir until it’s all mixed together. Cook until the vegetables soften and the potatoes are fork-tender, about 3–4 minutes. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with Cheddar cheese, and let the steam melt it. Top with green onions and serve.
Simple Swaps and Add-Ons
Add a fried egg: My favorite way to serve this is with a runny yolk that mixes into the beef and potatoes.
Try ground turkey: Swap the beef for ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option.
Use sweet potatoes: They’ll add a hint of sweetness and a little extra color.
Top with sour cream: A dollop adds tang and creaminess that balances the savory flavors.
How to Serve and Store
Serving Ideas
Storage Tips
Serve straight from the skillet with a simple green salad on the side.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Top each portion with a fried egg or a spoonful of sour cream.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Pair with crusty bread to soak up all the savory bits.
Freezing not recommendedpotatoes can get grainy when thawed.
Note: Leftovers taste even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to meld together.
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FAQs (Ground Beef and Potato Skillet)
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and cook evenly. Russets work too but tend to break down more during cooking. Cut them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for consistent cooking throughout the dish.
Should I precook the potatoes before adding them?
Yes, parboiling the potato cubes for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the skillet ensures they cook through properly. This prevents undercooked potatoes while avoiding overcooking the ground beef. Pat them dry before adding to get better browning.
What lean-to-fat ratio should I use for the ground beef?
80/20 ground beef provides the best balance of flavor and moisture without being too greasy. 85/15 works well if you prefer leaner meat. Avoid 90/10 or leaner as the dish may turn out dry and less flavorful.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Use a well-seasoned cast iron or non-stick skillet with adequate oil or butter. Make sure the pan is properly heated before adding ingredients. Avoid moving the potatoes too frequently – let them develop a golden crust before stirring.
Can I make this meal ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead. Store cooked portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying out.
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet comes together in about 25 minutes and delivers exactly what you need on a busy nightcrispy potatoes, savory beef, and melted Cheddar that makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort. You’ll love how it turns out every single time, no fuss or second-guessing.
If you want to switch things up, try topping it with a fried egg or stirring in a handful of spinach at the end for a little green. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet with a splash of waterjust cover and warm gently so the potatoes stay tender. My grandmother used to say the best dinners are the ones you can make without thinking too hard, and this one proves her right.
I’d love to hear if you made this your own waydid you add hot sauce, swap in sweet potatoes, or serve it with a dollop of sour cream? Share a photo or tell me what your family thought. Save this recipe for those nights when you need something easy that still feels like home. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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