Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Ready in 45 minutes | Serves 4 | Perfect weeknight meal

Key takeaways:

• One-pan recipe that combines tender potatoes with perfectly seasoned ground beef
• Ready in under an hour using basic pantry ingredients
• Budget-friendly meal that’s filling and family-approved
• Great for meal prep – stays fresh for 3 days in the fridge

Looking for a hearty dinner that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes? This savory ground beef and potatoes recipe is your answer. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a complete meal on the table in just 45 minutes.

Equipment Needed

• 12-inch skillet with lid (any large frying pan works)
• Sharp knife (for cutting vegetables)
• Cutting board (plastic or wood)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula (heat-safe)
• Potato peeler
• Paper towels
• Timer (phone timer works great)
• Colander or strainer (for draining beef)

Ingredients

Main Components:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20) – straight from fridge
• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds total)
• 1 large onion (yellow or white)
• 3 cloves garlic (or 1 tablespoon pre-minced)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt (regular table salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (regular, not smoked)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup beef broth (makes dish more saucy)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before You Start

1. Read through entire recipe twice
2. Get all equipment out and on counter
3. Check that you have all ingredients
4. Clear and clean your workspace
5. Wash your hands with soap and water

Preparation Phase (15 minutes)

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace (2 minutes)

1. Place cutting board on counter
2. Set up trash bowl for scraps
3. Get all ingredients from fridge and pantry
4. Set timer for 15 minutes

Step 2: Prepare Potatoes (7 minutes)

1. Rinse potatoes under cold water
2. Dry with paper towels
3. Hold potato in left hand (if right-handed)
4. Peel potato with peeler, moving away from you
5. Cut potato in half lengthwise
6. Place flat side down on cutting board
7. Cut into 1/2-inch slices
8. Cut slices into 1/2-inch strips
9. Cut strips into 1/2-inch cubes
10. Place cubed potatoes in bowl of cold water

Step 3: Prepare Other Vegetables (6 minutes)

1. Cut ends off onion
2. Peel outer skin
3. Cut in half from top to bottom
4. Place flat side down
5. Make 3-4 horizontal cuts
6. Make 4-5 vertical cuts
7. Slice across to dice
8. Peel garlic cloves
9. Mince garlic by rocking knife over cloves
10. If using green onions, slice thinly

Cooking Phase (35 minutes)

Step 1: Brown the Beef (12 minutes)

1. Place skillet on stove
2. Turn heat to medium-high
3. Wait 2 minutes for pan to heat
4. Add ground beef
5. Break up meat into large chunks with wooden spoon
6. Let cook 2 minutes without stirring
7. Break into smaller pieces (about 1 inch)
8. Cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally
9. Check color – no pink should remain
10. Drain in colander if very greasy
11. Place beef on paper towel-lined plate
12. Wipe out skillet with paper towels

Step 2: Cook Potatoes (15 minutes)

1. Drain potatoes from water
2. Pat dry with paper towels
3. Return skillet to stove
4. Add oil to pan
5. Heat on medium-high for 1 minute
6. Add potato cubes in single layer
7. Don’t move for 5 minutes
8. Check bottom – should be golden brown
9. Flip each piece (or stir carefully)
10. Add onions around the potatoes
11. Add garlic
12. Reduce heat to medium
13. Cook 7-8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes
14. Test potato with fork – should be tender

Step 3: Combine and Finish (8 minutes)

1. Return beef to skillet
2. Add measured seasonings
3. Stir gently to combine
4. Pour in beef broth if using
5. Reduce heat to medium-low
6. Cover with lid
7. Simmer 5 minutes
8. Remove lid
9. Add cheese if using
10. Cover 1 minute to melt
11. Top with green onions
12. Let rest 3 minutes before serving

Troubleshooting

Potatoes aren’t tender enough?

• Cut them smaller next time
• Add 1/4 cup water and cover while cooking
• Test with fork before adding beef back

Beef too greasy?

• Drain after browning
• Use leaner beef (90/10)
• Pat with paper towels after draining

Dish too dry?

• Add beef broth 1/4 cup at a time
• Keep covered while simmering
• Add butter at the end

Potatoes sticking to pan?

• Use more oil
• Don’t move them too soon
• Check pan temperature

Variations

Tex-Mex Style:

• Add 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Top with Mexican cheese blend
• Serve with warm tortillas
• Add 1 can drained corn

Steakhouse Version:

• Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with onions
• Use Montreal steak seasoning
• Top with blue cheese
• Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Breakfast Style:

• Add 4 fried eggs on top
• Use breakfast sausage instead of beef
• Add bell peppers with onions
• Top with hot sauce

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Cool completely before storing
• Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
• Not recommended for freezing (potatoes change texture)
• Keep in glass or plastic container

Reheating:

• Microwave: 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway
• Stovetop: 5-7 minutes over medium heat
• Add splash of broth when reheating
• Stir gently to avoid breaking potatoes

Safety Tips

• Cook beef to 160°F (71°C)
• Don’t leave at room temperature over 2 hours
• Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
• Wash hands after handling raw beef
• Keep raw meat on bottom shelf of fridge
• Clean all surfaces that touched raw meat
• Use heat-safe utensils
• Handle hot pan with oven mitts

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