Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner
Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet solves busy weeknight meals. After making this many times, I know the best way to get a juicy, crispy result. Juicy, golden, and cozy. Try this recipe with my Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts for variety. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts Recipe for Dinner and Creamy Thai Coconut Cauliflower Soup Recipe.
Why This Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Quick and easy
- Comforting and hearty
- Perfect for any night
- Tastes like homemade
What You'll Need for Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: Sour cream
- Optional: Cheddar cheese
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use 85% lean ground beef for best flavor.
- Potatoes: Cubed potatoes cook faster and brown better.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for best taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives more flavor than powder.
- Thyme: Dried thyme works, but fresh is better if available.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. → See on Amazon
- Wooden spoon — Great for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, break into pieces, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add veggies: Add onions and garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add potatoes and cook 5 minutes.
- Season and simmer: Add seasonings. Pour in 1/2 cup water. Stir well. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove lid. Cook 2-3 minutes to reduce sauce. Stir in fresh herbs. Serve warm.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner
- Best technique: Brown the beef first for deep flavor and crispy edges.
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking potatoes can make them mushy. Check doneness after 10 minutes.
- Pro tip: Use a lid to help potatoes cook through without burning the beef.
- Pro tip: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Storing & Reheating Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 2 days ahead and reheat before serving.
Freezing Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner
Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments until hot.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a sturdy skillet that can go from stovetop to oven if needed.
- Best substitution: Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: This recipe reheat well. Use a covered container for the best results.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger family or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cast iron skillet — Ensures even heating and perfect browning. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, break into pieces, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add veggies: Add onions and garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add potatoes and cook 5 minutes.
- Season and simmer: Add seasonings. Pour in 1/2 cup water. Stir well. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove lid. Cook 2-3 minutes to reduce sauce. Stir in fresh herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a sturdy skillet that can go from stovetop to oven if needed.
- Best substitution: Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: This recipe reheat well. Use a covered container for the best results.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger family or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second increments until hot.
- Make ahead: Make up to 2 days ahead and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can make this recipe up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Check the cooking time. If the beef is overcooked, it can become dry. Also, make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before adding the final seasoning.
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven.
Use high-quality ingredients and cook it on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor. Don't skip the final herbs and seasoning.
Sweet potatoes work well as a substitute. They add a different flavor and texture to the dish.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
