This Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. With juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and flavorful spices, it’s a family favorite!
I love how simple it is—just cook everything in one pan! Less dishes mean more time for Netflix, right? Plus, leftovers are great for lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can use lean ground beef for less fat. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well too, but keep in mind they may cook a little differently.
Potatoes: Regular russet potatoes are perfect for this dish. For a healthier option, you might try sweet potatoes, which will add a nice sweetness and different flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth to the dish. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder is a good substitute. You can also use shallots or green onions for a milder taste.
Bell Pepper: This ingredient is optional but adds a nice crunch. If you don’t have it, throw in some frozen mixed vegetables instead or add some mushrooms for a different texture.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
The key to perfectly cooked potatoes in this skillet is to cut them into small, even cubes. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Here’s how to ensure they turn out great:
- Heat the skillet first before adding the potatoes, which helps to start browning them quickly.
- If you notice the potatoes sticking to the pan, add a little more oil and keep stirring them to prevent burning.
- Cover the skillet while they cook to create steam, which helps them soften more quickly.
Once they’re golden and tender, you’ll have a delicious base for your ground beef!
Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (optional), diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes chopping the veggies and browning the beef, with a little more time monitoring the cooking process. In no time, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re starting to brown and soften—this should take about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t stick or burn!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Once the potatoes are getting nice and golden, push them to one side of the skillet. Add in the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the chopped onions. Sauté these for about 3 minutes until they’re translucent, then mix everything together with the potatoes.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds. You want to make sure it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spoon, break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
5. Season the Mixture:
Add the optional bell pepper, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together so that the spices coat the beef and veggies well.
6. Simmer:
Pour in the beef broth or water, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This will help the potatoes become tender and the liquid will mostly evaporate.
7. Finish Cooking:
After simmering, remove the lid and cook for another 2 minutes. This helps any extra moisture evaporate, giving you a deliciously savory meal.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle the ground beef and potato skillet with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your easy and tasty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the star of this dish, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You might just want to adjust the cooking time slightly, as lean meats cook a bit faster.
What Can I Substitute for Potatoes?
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, diced cauliflower or sweet potatoes work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary—cauliflower will cook much faster than regular potatoes!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for your substitute, and add more veggies for extra flavor and texture!
