Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes

Name: Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Meals

I've always enjoyed hearty, comforting meals that come together in a snap, and this Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Potatoes is one of my favorites. I love how the ground beef cooks up tender and flavorful alongside the perfectly crispy potatoes. It's the kind of dish that makes me feel warm and satisfied, whether I'm cooking for the family or just myself. Plus, I appreciate how it requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:33:36.098Z

When I made this Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Potatoes for the first time, I couldn't believe how quickly it came together. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and my favorite seasonings created a truly satisfying meal. I learned that browning the beef properly makes all the difference in flavor, and it only takes a few extra minutes, but it's well worth it.

Each bite of these flavorful potatoes cooked in the beef drippings is what elevates this dish to a comforting classic. I often sprinkle a little cheese on top right before serving for an extra touch that my family loves. It's simple gestures like this that can turn an everyday meal into a special one.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty, savory flavor that warms you from the inside out
Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy nights
One-pan cleanup means more time to relax after dinner

Essential Techniques for Perfect Potatoes

When working with potatoes, evenness in size is crucial. By cutting your potatoes into similar-sized dice—approximately 1-inch cubes—you'll ensure they cook uniformly. This prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked. A quick tip is to soak the diced potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to help remove excess starch, which will lead to crispier results once cooked.

Using a lid while cooking the potatoes is another essential technique. Covering the skillet helps retain steam, which softens the potatoes and speeds up cooking time, allowing you to achieve that tender texture. Just be sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking; otherwise, you may end up with a delightful but charred base. If you notice sticking, adding a small splash of water can help loosen the mixture.

Flavor Building with Seasonings

The combination of paprika, garlic, and onion elevates the flavor profile of the dish significantly. Paprika, which comes in various types—sweet, smoked, or hot—adds warmth and depth to the ground beef. Don't hesitate to adjust the paprika type based on your preference; smoked paprika can impart a fantastic, barbecue-like flavor that beautifully complements the beef and potatoes.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. These small adjustments can make a big difference. Lastly, after cooking, feel free to sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish right before serving.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Potatoes

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle with cheese if desired and let it melt. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This dish is best enjoyed warm.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or your favorite hot sauce to the beef while cooking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Potatoes is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the ground beef mixture a day in advance. Simply brown the meat, add the onion, and seasonings, then store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, just add the diced potatoes and continue with the recipe. This will save you time on busy evenings and still deliver a warm, hearty dish on the table.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and to moisten the dish. For longer storage, consider freezing the skillet meal. Just ensure it cools completely before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer and can be reheated directly from frozen, although allowing it to thaw in the fridge overnight will help maintain the texture.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is delicious on its own but can be served with a variety of sides for a full meal. Consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to add some color and extra nutrients to the plate. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread to scoop up the hearty mixture for a more comforting experience.

If you're looking to elevate the dish, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as thyme or chives, right before serving. These herbs complement the earthiness of the potatoes and beef beautifully. For a creamier texture, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing on top, enhancing the flavors and providing a nice contrast to the savory components of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes would add a nice sweetness and can be used in the same way as regular potatoes.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it on the stove or microwave.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and color.