The Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet is that weeknight wonder every home cook dreams of. Imagine hearty layers of tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and aromatic onions coming together in a single pan for a delicious meal that practically cooks itself. It’s got all those down-to-earth flavors you crave, yet it’s elevated by a blend of spices and a sprinkle of cheese. Comforting, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, this dish is bound to become a regular favorite at your table.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how basic pantry staples transform into something truly satisfying. Every ingredient plays its part—some tenderize, some season, and some simply add color or melt into gooey deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef: The star player, providing protein and heartiness to this skillet.
Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the aromatics perfectly.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, rounding out the savory notes.
Garlic: Brings a welcoming punch that wakes up the whole skillet.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced for a soft, comforting texture and mild, earthy taste.
Paprika: Lends subtle warmth and a lovely, colorful hue.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky flavor throughout the dish.
Dried Italian seasoning: Offers herby complexity with every bite, tying everything together.
Salt and pepper: The simple seasoning duo that brings out everyone else’s best.
Beef broth or water: Keeps things moist and helps infuse the ingredients as they simmer.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the top for a decadent finish—highly recommended!
Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and scattered on top for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with your spoon, stirring until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess fat if needed, so your Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet doesn’t turn greasy but still keeps all that beefy flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the beef. Keep stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften up and turn translucent, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. This step is key for building layers of savoriness into your skillet dinner.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Now, carefully mix in your thinly sliced potatoes. Sprinkle on the paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the beef and potatoes are evenly coated in spices. Each slice of potato should glisten with delicious flavor, making every bite of this Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in your beef broth or water, making sure everything is nestled together nicely in the skillet. Cover the pan and let it all simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes will soak up the broth and soften, while the seasonings meld with the beef for a perfectly unified dish.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If cheese is calling your name, now’s the time to answer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top, then cover again for a couple minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer. It adds that extra touch that makes this Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet ultra comforting.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, a scattering of fresh parsley brightens up the skillet with a fresh, herbal note and brilliant color. Serve it hot and enjoy every craveable forkful!

How to Serve Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

Garnishes

A simple finish of fresh chopped parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A little sliced green onion, a confidential sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce can amp up the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed veggies. Think of crisp green beans, roast broccoli, or a zesty cucumber salad as the perfect supporting cast to your Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your skillet right in the pan family-style, or scoop generous portions into individual bowls topped with cheese and parsley. You can even serve it over a bed of greens or alongside a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet stores beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool a bit, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For meal prep or saving leftovers long-term, you can freeze this dish! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave or warm everything gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of broth or water to help revive the textures. The flavors only get better with time!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative work nicely. The magic of the Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet is in its flexibility, so swap and experiment as you like.

Can I slice the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the potatoes in advance. Just keep them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning—drain and pat dry before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.

Is it okay to leave out the cheese?

Definitely! Cheese is optional and the dish is still delicious and comforting without it. The cheese just adds an extra layer of creaminess if you’re in the mood.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for the Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet because they cook up tender and hold their shape. Feel free to use red potatoes if that’s what you have on hand!

How do I make this spicier?

If you like things with a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also stir in diced jalapeños for an extra punch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about sharing a cozy, filling meal like this Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet with your loved ones. It’s unfussy, flavor-packed, and endlessly customizable—truly the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” Give it a try and make it your own!