Ground Beef And Potato Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Quick Meals Ideas

When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, this Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a staple in my kitchen. I love how uncomplicated the recipe is while delivering intense flavors that everyone in the family enjoys. The combination of ground beef and tender potatoes creates a hearty dish that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It's a dish I've turned to time and again after a long day, and I find it comforting and fulfilling. Plus, it’s easily customizable with whatever spices or vegetables I have on hand!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:21:35.045Z

The first time I tried making a Ground Beef and Potato Skillet, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to pack a meal full of flavor into one pan. Using just a handful of ingredients, I sautéed the beef and seasoned it, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully. The key was letting the potatoes cook just long enough to absorb all that meaty goodness while still retaining their texture.

As I cooked, I discovered that adding a splash of broth helped deglaze the pan, lifting all those tasty browned bits. This not only enhanced the dish but added an easy and delicious sauce that coated the potatoes. I now make it often, experimenting with different herbs and veggies to keep it exciting!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly nights
Quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal
Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables and spices

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When it comes to selecting potatoes for this skillet dish, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices. Yukon Golds have a creamy texture and buttery flavor that meld wonderfully with the beef, while Russets become fluffy and add a heartiness to the dish. Make sure to dice them into uniform pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice golden exterior.

If you're looking for a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower or diced sweet potatoes as a substitute. Cauliflower can be steamed lightly before adding to the skillet, while sweet potatoes will impart a lovely sweetness that complements the savory beef, just adjust the cooking time to ensure they become tender.

Mastering the Sauté

Sautéing the onions and garlic to the right point is crucial for building flavor in this dish. You'll want to cook them until the onion is translucent, which generally takes about 3 minutes over medium heat. If your garlic starts to brown, lower the heat immediately to avoid a bitter taste in your final dish.

For added depth, consider caramelizing the onions first. This slightly longer technique will bring out a natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the skillet. Simply cook the onions over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they're golden and fragrant before adding the garlic.

Serving and Storing Tips

This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is delicious served straight from the pan, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices. You could also top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. For a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to reintroduce moisture. This dish also freezes well; divide it into portions for quick meals on busy nights. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious skillet dish:

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure to have these ingredients ready for a seamless cooking experience!

Cooking Steps

Follow these steps to create a scrumptious Ground Beef and Potato Skillet:

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Cook the Potatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Potato Skillet!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or green beans. A sprinkle of cheese on top before serving can also make it even more indulgent!

Variations to Try

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Consider adding frozen peas or diced bell peppers along with the potatoes for added color and nutrition. You can also mix in some corn for sweetness or even swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you're looking for a lighter option.

Experimenting with spices can also elevate the dish. A teaspoon of smoked paprika will lend a lovely depth, or try adding a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef for that umami boost. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can be stirred in at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your potatoes are still hard after the suggested cooking time, simply cover the skillet again and let them cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. If the beef releases too much liquid while cooking, you can raise the heat slightly to evaporate some of the broth, concentrating the flavors.

For a more balanced seasoning, taste as you go. If your dish feels a bit bland after cooking, adding a touch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors. Remember, every stovetop varies, so it’s important to adjust times and displays based on your specific setup.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easy to scale up or down based on your needs. To serve a larger crowd, simply double the amounts of ground beef and potatoes while adjusting the broth accordingly. Just ensure your skillet is large enough, or use two pans to maintain even cooking.

If you're cooking for one or two, consider halving the recipe. Leftover portions freeze well and can be reheated for another meal, so feel free to make the full batch if you enjoy the flavors! Just remember to adjust your seasoning accordingly as flavors can intensify during the reheating process.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe and is a lighter option.

→ What spices can I add for more flavor?

Feel free to add spices like paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning to enhance the taste!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with lentils or plant-based meat for a delicious vegetarian version.