When it comes to crafting a satisfying, one-pan meal, few dishes hit the mark quite like a savory skillet of Ground Beef and Potato. This classic is hearty, comforting, and simple enough to tackle on even the busiest weeknights. I first made this dish while looking for a no-fuss meal that would be delicious and filling. I can still remember the aroma of the onions and beef sizzling together, a scent that promised a truly comforting dinner. You’ll love this recipe because it combines simple, affordable ingredients to create something truly special.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 pound potatoes peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (I used Yukon golds)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion 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 additional to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce plus additional for serving (I used sriracha)
- 2 green onions sliced
How to Make Savory Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Brown the Beef
First, dice your onion and red bell pepper. Next, peel and dice the potatoes into uniform ¼-inch cubes, which is important for even cooking. Now, heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Potatoes
Using the same skillet, you’ll want to add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, until they soften and become fragrant. Then, stir in the diced potatoes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to turn golden and a nice crust forms. This step is key for building layers of flavor in your Ground Beef and Potato skillet.
Step 3: Simmer the Skillet
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. This simmering time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
To finish, remove the lid and let the mixture simmer for another couple of minutes. This helps any remaining liquid reduce and the sauce to thicken. Stir in the hot sauce and the sliced green onions. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve it immediately and get ready to enjoy this incredible dish.
My Best Ground Beef and Potato Tips
The Secret to Perfectly Tender Potatoes
I’ve made this Ground Beef and Potato recipe countless times and learned a little trick to ensure your potatoes are perfectly tender every time. The secret is to pre-soak the cubed potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes before you add them to the skillet. This simple step removes some of the excess starch, which helps the potatoes cook more evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
Boosting the Flavor of Your Skillet
For a truly deep, complex flavor in your skillet, you should always deglaze the pan. After you’ve browned the ground beef and removed it, add a splash of beef broth to the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful, browned bits from the bottom. This process makes all the difference, adding incredible depth of flavor.
A Trick for a Richer Sauce
Sometimes, your sauce might seem a little too thin. If that happens, don’t worry I have a really simple fix. Just whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering skillet and let it cook for just one more minute. The sauce will thicken up beautifully, giving you a rich consistency.
Variations of Ground Beef and Potato
Want to change up this classic recipe? You can easily create a cheesy Ground Beef and Potato skillet by adding shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese blend on top during the last few minutes of cooking until it’s melted and bubbly. For a sweeter, more unique flavor, try swapping the regular potatoes for cubed sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and different texture make for a fantastic twist. Or, if you’re craving some heat, make it a spicy hash by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the skillet while it simmers. Each variation adds a new, exciting element to the dish.
FAQs
Can I make this with a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that these are leaner, so you might need a little extra oil to cook them properly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet on the stovetop. If the mixture seems a bit dry, just add a splash of beef broth to bring it back to life.
What are some good side dishes for this recipe?
This dish is definitely a complete meal on its own, but if you want to serve a side, a simple green salad or some steamed green beans would be perfect. A nice, crusty piece of bread is also a great idea for soaking up all the delicious sauce at the bottom of the skillet.
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This ground beef and potato skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal perfect for any night of the week. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. The dish comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (Yukon gold or Russet)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, 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 ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha), plus more for serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef and Prepare Vegetables
Dice the onion and red bell pepper. Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform ¼-inch cubes. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden and a crust forms.
3. Simmer the Skillet
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Finish and Serve
Remove the lid and simmer for another few minutes to allow any remaining liquid to reduce. Stir in the hot sauce and sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tender Potatoes: To ensure your potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick together, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Boost Flavor: For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan after browning the beef by adding a splash of beef broth. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, create a slurry by whisking together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir this into the simmering skillet and cook for one more minute until the sauce thickens.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 478 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 628mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 99mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Skillet, Potato Skillet, One-Pan Meal, Beef and Potatoes, Weeknight Dinner
