A comforting Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemma. Hearty, cheesy, and cooked in one pan, it’s the definition of satisfying.
Crispy potatoes meet savory beef in this easy skillet recipe. Melty cheese, tender vegetables, and bold seasoning round out this rustic, flavor-packed favorite that the whole family will love.
Main Players in This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
- Lean Ground Beef – Brings hearty, savory richness and a protein-packed foundation to the skillet.
- Potatoes – Diced small for quick, crispy browning; the soul of this skillet dish.
- Onion – Adds depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef.
- Bell Pepper – Brightens the skillet with freshness and a pop of color.
- Garlic – Gives a fragrant, aromatic kick that enhances every savory bite.
- Smoked Paprika – Infuses warmth and a subtle smokiness, rounding out the dish beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into gooey perfection, binding everything together with creamy indulgence.
- Green Onions – Fresh, crisp finish that cuts through the richness and adds visual appeal.
Quick and Delicious Steps to a One-Pan Wonder
Start by heating oil in a large skillet and letting the potatoes brown to crispy perfection. Once golden on both sides, shift them aside and introduce the ground beef. Season generously and let it cook undisturbed for a rich sear.
Add your chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a hint of smoked paprika. Stir everything together until the vegetables soften, the meat is fully browned, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle on shredded cheddar. Let the residual warmth melt the cheese into a creamy layer, then finish with green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Kitchen Tips & Flavor Twists
For an extra golden potato crust, don’t rush the initial browning step—let those cubes sit untouched for maximum crisp. Want to make it spicy? Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce with the paprika.
To level it up, top each serving with a fried egg or a generous spoonful of sour cream. You can also toss in a handful of baby spinach toward the end for a touch of green without changing the core flavors.
If you’re after a low-carb variation, try substituting the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced zucchini for a lighter skillet that still delivers comfort.
Smart Ways to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? This skillet stores beautifully. Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
For freezer storage, portion into individual containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual for a ready-to-go meal that tastes just as good the second time.
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 lb. potatoes approximately 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 and 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Distribute the diced potatoes in a single layer across the skillet and let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until their undersides begin to brown. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes without interference to deepen the color.
- Shift the potatoes to one side of the skillet using a wooden spoon. On the opposite side, add the ground beef. Evenly season both the beef and potatoes with salt and pepper.
- Break the beef apart with the spoon and spread it to cover its half of the skillet. Firmly press it down and allow it to cook for 4 minutes without stirring, occasionally tossing the potatoes.
- If there’s excessive fat rendered from the beef, spoon it out as needed.
- Layer the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and paprika over the beef and potatoes. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Continue cooking with periodic stirring until the vegetables are softened, the meat shows no trace of pink, and the potatoes are tender to the fork, approximately 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, scatter the shredded cheese over the dish, and let the residual steam melt it. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
