Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and budget-friendly meal, this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect recipe! Made with seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and a blend of onions and spices, this one-pan meal is both easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. Stick with us for a step-by-step guide, and soon you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!

What is a Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?

A Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish made by cooking ground beef and diced potatoes together in a skillet with onions, garlic, and seasonings. It's a one-pan meal that combines protein, carbs, and veggies all in one, making it filling and easy to prepare. The dish can be customized with different spices or vegetables to suit your taste, and it’s a perfect way to use up ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this hearty and flavorful dish:

1. Ground Beef – 1 pound (80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
2. Potatoes – 3 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced into small cubes
3. Onion – 1 large, diced
4. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
5. Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
6. Paprika – 1 teaspoon
7. Cumin – 1 teaspoon
8. Salt – 1 teaspoon (to taste)
9. Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon (to taste)
10. Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)
11. Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup, shredded (optional, for topping)
12. Green Onions – 2, chopped (for garnish)
13. Fresh Parsley or Cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish)
14. Sour Cream – ½ cup (optional, for serving)

Substitutions and Variations

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is highly customizable to your taste. Here are a few substitutions and variations:

• Ground Meat Alternatives: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well, but you can also use red potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even frozen hash browns for convenience.
• Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you like more spice.
• Seasonings: You can switch up the spices with Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning for different flavor profiles.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet in just a few easy steps.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If necessary, add a splash of water to help the potatoes soften. Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Onions and Garlic
To the browned beef, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Season the Beef
Add the paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the beef evenly. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 5: Combine the Beef and Potatoes
Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soak up the flavors from the beef and seasonings.

Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you want a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef and potatoes in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese has melted (if using), remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Cooking the Potatoes Thoroughly: Make sure to give the potatoes enough time to become tender and crispy. Rushing this step can leave you with hard, undercooked potatoes.
2. Overcrowding the Pan: To get perfectly crispy potatoes, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
3. Not Draining Excess Fat: If your ground beef releases a lot of grease, be sure to drain the excess fat before adding the seasonings and vegetables to avoid a greasy dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with a few sides or garnishes to make it extra special:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the beef and potatoes.
• Add a Fried Egg: Top each serving with a fried egg for a breakfast-inspired twist. The runny yolk adds a delicious richness to the dish.
• Cornbread: Serve alongside cornbread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

1. Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the dish directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. It keeps the meal warm and looks great on the dinner table.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Individual Servings: Plate the beef and potato mixture into individual bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions for a personalized touch.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store individual portions in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop when ready to eat.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers by letting the skillet cool completely, then transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Add More Veggies: For extra nutrition, add spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the skillet. Just sauté them along with the onions for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
A: Yes! Russet potatoes, Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes will work well in this dish. Just make sure they’re diced small enough to cook evenly.

Q: How do I make this dish spicy?
A: To add heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Pepper jack cheese is also a great addition for a spicier flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or beans to make it a vegetarian dish.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This skillet dish is pretty filling on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh salad, cornbread, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can cook the beef and potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and customizable seasonings, this one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it as is, or add your favorite toppings for a delicious dinner that’s ready in no time. Try it tonight, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic skillet meal!

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