If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious, this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe has got you covered. It’s a simple one-pan wonder that brings together tender browned ground beef, golden crispy potatoes, and savory herbs in perfect harmony. Each bite delivers a cozy explosion of flavors and textures, making it an ideal weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a staple you turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an important role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the hearty ground beef to the crispy potatoes and fragrant spices, every element is essential for that perfect skillet dinner.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular based on your preference for juiciness and fat content.
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced: These give you that golden, tender, and slightly crispy bite we all love.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A subtle smoky warmth that dresses the whole skillet beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: An earthy herb that brightens and balances the richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and getting those crispy edges on the potatoes.
- ½ cup beef broth or water: Helps tenderize the potatoes and meld the flavors.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of fresh color and flavor.
- Shredded cheese (optional, for topping): Melts into a creamy, indulgent finish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, stirring occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes until they start to brown and soften. This step is crucial for building texture—those golden edges are pure comfort!
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and sweet. Then stir in the minced garlic for just about one minute more—this quick sauté releases its wonderful aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep the dish balanced and not greasy.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Mix everything together, then sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the beef broth over the skillet, cover, and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become fully tender and the broth to absorb, infusing every bite with rich flavor.
Step 5: Optional Cheese Topping
If you want to add a melty cheesy element, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet now, cover again, and let it melt into a delicious blanket that makes this dinner even more irresistible. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like a fresh pop of green and slight herbal brightness.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a simple way to brighten the dish both visually and flavor-wise. If you like a little extra zing, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of green onions works wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
This skillet dinner is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans rounds out your meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this ground beef and potato mixture inside baked bell pepper halves or scoop it atop warm tortillas for a quick taco-style treat. You could even spoon it over rice or cauliflower rice for added variety and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want it back, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry to keep those potatoes tender and juicy during warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give that classic texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold for a creamier bite or even sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. It’s a great meal if you’re avoiding gluten but still want something hearty and flavorful.
Can I add more vegetables to this skillet dinner?
Definitely! Bell peppers, frozen peas, corn, or even small carrot dice can be added during cooking to up your veggie intake and bring more color and texture.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the shredded cheese topping, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you want that melty finish. The dish itself is rich and tasty without any dairy needed.
What do I do if my potatoes aren’t soft after simmering?
If the potatoes are still firm after simmering, add a little more broth or water and cook a few minutes longer, covered. Sometimes potato size or stove variations require a bit more time.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe is one of those effortless, soul-satisfying meals that never fails to impress. It’s flexible, quick, and deeply comforting—perfect for when you want to put something wholesome on the table without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how much joy a simple skillet dinner can bring to your dinner rotation!
Print
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free, Dairy-Free (without cheese)
Description
This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pan skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender browned potatoes, savory ground beef, and flavorful herbs, it’s an easy and budget-friendly dish that requires minimal cleanup. Optional cheese and parsley garnish add a delicious finishing touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Brown Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the empty side. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Combine and Season: Stir the potatoes, onions, garlic, and browned beef together. Season with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in beef broth or water, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 5–8 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: (Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This one-pan dish is ideal for quick, busy weeknight dinners.
- You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or frozen peas for variety and nutrition.
- Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- To keep it dairy-free, omit the cheese topping.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef to reduce grease.
