This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the kind of comforting dinner that makes busy evenings much easier. Tender golden potatoes, savory ground beef, colorful peppers, smoky paprika, and melted cheddar come together in one pan for a warm, satisfying meal.
With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this easy skillet dinner is perfect when you want homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers plenty of flavor from everyday ingredients. Browning the potatoes first gives them delicious golden edges, while the beef, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and smoked paprika create a savory base.
It is also an excellent family-friendly meal. This one pan ground beef recipe requires straightforward preparation, comes together quickly, and can easily be adjusted with vegetables or seasonings your family already enjoys.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and spread them into a single layer. Let them cook without stirring for about 2 minutes, or until lightly golden underneath.
- Stir the potatoes, spread them out again, and cook for another 2 minutes to develop more golden-brown edges.
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the empty side and season both the beef and potatoes evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Break the ground beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and spread it across its half of the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring the potatoes occasionally.
- Carefully spoon out any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely cooked, the vegetables are tender, and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. The beef should reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle the cheddar evenly over the Ground Beef and Potato Skillet. Let the residual heat melt the cheese.
- Finish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
Cut the potatoes into evenly sized 1/2-inch cubes so they cook at roughly the same rate. Avoid stirring them constantly at the beginning; leaving them undisturbed helps create those flavorful browned edges.
A large skillet works best because overcrowding can cause the ingredients to steam rather than brown. If your potatoes are particularly firm, cover the skillet briefly near the end of cooking to help them become tender.
For a slightly different beef potato skillet, try adding mushrooms, zucchini, corn, or another bell pepper. You can also replace cheddar with Monterey Jack or another good melting cheese.
For extra smoky flavor, add a small additional pinch of smoked paprika. If you prefer some heat, a little chili powder or crushed red pepper can be added with the seasonings.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Skillet
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly when prepared with halal-certified ground beef and cheese
Notes
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape while becoming tender inside. Russet potatoes can also be used, although their texture will be softer.
Serve these ground beef and potatoes with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or cucumber salad for a balanced dinner.
For a lighter variation, reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheddar. Always check packaged ingredients when needed to ensure they meet your halal dietary requirements.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: 500–550 kcal
Protein: 30–35 g
Carbohydrates: 30–35 g
Fat: 25–30 g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the type of beef, potatoes, cheese, oil, and portion size used.
FAQ
Can I make ground beef and potatoes in one skillet?
Yes. Browning the potatoes first and then cooking the ground beef alongside them allows both ingredients to develop flavor without requiring another pan.
What potatoes are best for a beef potato skillet?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes work particularly well because they become tender while maintaining their shape. Russet potatoes are another good option if you prefer a softer, fluffier texture.
How do I keep the potatoes from being undercooked?
Cut them into small, uniform cubes and give them time to brown before adding the remaining vegetables. If necessary, cover the skillet for a few minutes near the end to trap steam and finish softening the potatoes.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, corn, spinach, or additional bell peppers can all complement this easy ground beef dinner.
Can I make this skillet without cheese?
Yes. Simply leave out the cheddar. The seasoned beef, potatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, and smoked paprika provide plenty of flavor on their own.
What can I serve with a ground beef and potato skillet?
A fresh salad, steamed green beans, broccoli, roasted vegetables, or sliced cucumbers all pair nicely with this hearty skillet meal.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, portion the cooled skillet mixture into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Keep in mind that potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until thoroughly hot, adding a small splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
Similar Recipes
- Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef (Easy 30 Minute Recipe)
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound potatoes cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and spread them into a single layer. Let them cook without stirring for about 2 minutes, or until lightly golden underneath.
- Stir the potatoes, spread them out again, and cook for another 2 minutes to develop more golden-brown edges.
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the empty side and season both the beef and potatoes evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Break the ground beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and spread it across its half of the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring the potatoes occasionally.
- Carefully spoon out any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely cooked, the vegetables are tender, and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. The beef should reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle the cheddar evenly over the Ground Beef and Potato Skillet. Let the residual heat melt the cheese.
- Finish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet turns simple pantry and refrigerator staples into a filling, flavorful dinner. Crispy-edged potatoes, seasoned beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheddar make every bite satisfying.
Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a comforting family dinner, this cheesy beef and potatoes recipe is an easy option to keep in your regular rotation.