Looking for a delicious and filling meal that’s quick to make? This Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a classic, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and simple seasonings—all cooked in one pan. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something easy, satisfying, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. With minimal prep and just one pan to clean, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!
What Is "Beef and Potatoes Skillet"?
Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan meal made with ground beef, diced potatoes, and onions cooked together with seasonings. The combination of savory beef and tender, crispy potatoes creates a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can serve it on its own or pair it with a salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. This dish is a versatile, budget-friendly dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients List for Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
- Ground Beef (1 lb) – 80/20 ground beef works best for a juicy, flavorful dish.
- Potatoes (3 medium, diced) – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, but any type will work.
- Onion (1 medium, diced) – Adds flavor and sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – For an extra burst of flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Used for frying the potatoes and sautéing the beef.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon) – For added depth and umami flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning the beef and potatoes.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Optional, for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations for Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This recipe is very adaptable, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken – Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Sweet Potatoes – Use diced sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier version.
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Version – Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy, comforting twist.
- Vegetarian Version – Replace the beef with plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie-packed option.
- Add Vegetables – Add bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Beef and Potatoes Skillet from start to finish:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through. Season with paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine the Beef and Potatoes
- Once the ground beef is cooked, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Let the mixture cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!
How to Cook Beef and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Potatoes – Fry diced potatoes until golden brown and tender.
- Cook the Beef – Sauté onions and garlic, then brown the ground beef with seasonings.
- Combine – Mix the cooked potatoes back into the skillet with the ground beef.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Beef and Potatoes Skillet turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Undercooking the Potatoes – Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before adding them back to the skillet. If they’re not done, they won’t absorb the flavors as well.
- Not Draining Excess Fat – If your ground beef is very fatty, drain any excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Overcrowding the Pan – When frying the potatoes, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
- Not Seasoning Enough – Potatoes and ground beef both need plenty of seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed during cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here are a few ways to serve and present your Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
- Serve with a Side Salad – Pair the skillet with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- Add a Dollop of Sour Cream – A spoonful of sour cream on top adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the dish.
- Serve Family-Style – Present the skillet at the table so everyone can serve themselves for a casual, homey meal.
- Add Hot Sauce – Serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like a spicy kick.
How to Serve Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few ideas for how to serve it:
- As a Main Dish – Serve the skillet as a filling, one-pan meal.
- With Vegetables – Add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans to round out the meal.
- With Bread – Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavors.
- With Eggs for Breakfast – Top the skillet with a fried or poached egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Presentation Ideas for Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Here are some simple ways to elevate the presentation of your Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
- Serve in the Skillet – For a rustic, family-style presentation, serve the dish directly from the skillet at the table.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs – Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Use Cast-Iron – Cook and serve the dish in a cast-iron skillet for a cozy, farmhouse-style look.
- Top with Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheese or Parmesan on top just before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you perfect your Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
- Use Leftover Potatoes – If you have leftover roasted or baked potatoes, dice them up and add them to the skillet for an even quicker meal.
- Add a Splash of Stock – For a saucier version, add a splash of beef or vegetable broth to the skillet when combining the beef and potatoes.
- Reheat Properly – If you have leftovers, reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat to keep the potatoes crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the potatoes soggy.
- Try Different Seasonings – Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian herbs to change up the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: Yes! You can use russet, Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for this recipe. Just make sure to dice them evenly for even cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep the potatoes crispy.
Q: Can I freeze Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
A: While ground beef freezes well, potatoes can become mushy after freezing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the beef mixture and add freshly cooked potatoes when reheating.
Q: Can I make this dish with ground turkey or chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option.
Conclusion
This Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and simple spices, this one-pan dish is packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner,
it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Plus, with minimal prep and clean-up, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in no time. Enjoy!
PrintBeef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is a delicious one-pan meal made with ground beef, crispy potatoes, and simple seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this comforting dish is easy to make and always satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove potatoes from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the ground beef:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Season and combine:
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Add cheese (optional):
If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. - Serve hot:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides or as a complete meal.
Notes
- Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
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