Skillet Dinners

Beef And Potato Skillet

Name: Beef And Potato Skillet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 cup (250ml) beef broth; 1/2 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese

By Theo Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Skillet Dinners

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a Beef And Potato Skillet for my family. It was a chilly winter evening, and we all gathered around the table, eager to taste the sizzling hot dish that filled the kitchen with its irresistible aroma. The combination of tender ground beef, crispy potatoes, and a blend of spices was an instant hit. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It's incredibly easy to customize to your taste preferences. Whether you like a little heat or a lot, you can adjust the spice level to suit your family's needs.

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and convenient. This Beef And Potato Skillet checks all the boxes. It's a one-pot wonder that can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy families. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover potatoes and ground beef you may have in your fridge.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of creating a mouth-watering Beef And Potato Skillet that's sure to become a favorite in your household. From browning the ground beef to adding the perfect blend of spices, I'll share my tips and tricks for making this dish shine.

So, let's get started and create a memorable dining experience for your loved ones. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Beef And Potato Skillet is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to use up leftover potatoes and ground beef
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
You can customize the spice level to suit your family's needs
It's a one-pot wonder that can be prepared in under an hour
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides
It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's sure to become a staple in your household

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Beef And Potato Skillet is in the layering of flavors. By browning the ground beef and cooking the potatoes until they're crispy, you create a solid foundation for the dish. Then, by adding a blend of spices and herbs, you can enhance the flavor profile and create a truly satisfying meal.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of heat control. By cooking the ground beef over medium-high heat, you can achieve a nice brown crust on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This technique is essential for creating a flavorful and textured dish.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to absorb the juices. By letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, you can ensure that every bite is filled with flavor and texture.

By following these simple techniques and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a Beef And Potato Skillet that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, let's dive into the recipe and start cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to ingredients, I like to keep things simple and accessible. For this Beef And Potato Skillet, you'll need a few basic pantry staples, including ground beef, potatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh potatoes and lean ground beef, to ensure the best flavor and texture.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it's easy to find substitutes for any ingredients you may not have on hand. For example, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, or add some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute if you prefer.
2 large potatoes, peeled and dicedSelect high-quality potatoes that are firm and free of bruises. You can also use sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes as a substitute.
1 large onion, dicedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use shallots or scallions as a substitute.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaChoose a high-quality paprika that is fresh and aromatic. You can also use smoked paprika or sweet paprika as a substitute.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoSelect a high-quality dried oregano that is fresh and fragrant. You can also use fresh oregano or Italian seasoning as a substitute.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use table salt as a substitute if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperChoose a high-quality black pepper that is fresh and aromatic. You can also use white pepper or green pepper as a substitute if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilSelect a high-quality olive oil that is fresh and flavorful. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as a substitute if you prefer.
1 cup (250ml) beef brothChoose a low-sodium beef broth for the best flavor. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute if you prefer.
1/2 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheeseSelect a high-quality cheddar cheese that is fresh and flavorful. You can also use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese as a substitute if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Beef And Potato Skillet

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 400°F (200°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
2
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and onion mixture. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the potatoes start to brown.
6
Add the paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
7
Add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
8
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
9
Reduce heat to low and let the skillet rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10
Serve the Beef And Potato Skillet hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh potatoes and lean ground beef, for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Adjust the spice level to suit your family's needs, adding more or less paprika and dried oregano as desired.
Use a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven to cook the dish, as it will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the potatoes from burning.
Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to absorb the juices.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the potatoes, resulting in a mushy and unappetizing texture.
Not browning the ground beef enough, resulting in a lack of flavor and texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Not letting the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving, resulting in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Not adjusting the spice level to suit your family's needs, resulting in a dish that is too spicy or not spicy enough.
Not using a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven, resulting in a dish that is unevenly cooked and lacks flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some diced ham or bacon to the skillet for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter and nuttier flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the skillet for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef for a leaner and more flavorful option.
Add some diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the skillet for a burst of juicy flavor.

What to Serve With Beef And Potato Skillet

This Beef And Potato Skillet is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a nutritious and delicious option.

Consider serving the dish with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach. You can also serve it with a side of fruit or a green salad for a lighter and refreshing option.

Serve with a side of crusty breadServe with a green saladServe with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sproutsServe with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted carrotsServe with a side of fruit or a light and refreshing salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Beef And Potato Skillet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To store, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Consider portioning out the dish into individual servings, then freezing or refrigerating them for a quick and easy meal. You can also use the leftovers to make a delicious beef and potato soup or stew.

When reheating, be sure to check the temperature of the dish to ensure that it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature, or simply check that the dish is hot and steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute for ground beef. Simply cook the meat according to the recipe instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure that it's cooked through.

Can I add other ingredients to the skillet, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the skillet, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to add extra flavor and nutrition. Simply add them to the skillet along with the onion and garlic and cook until they're tender.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Simply peel and dice the sweet potatoes and add them to the skillet along with the ground beef and onion mixture.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

To store, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time. Simply cook the dish according to the recipe instructions, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

Can I use a slow cooker to make the dish?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make the dish. Simply brown the ground beef and cook the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I add other spices or seasonings to the dish?

Yes, you can add other spices or seasonings to the dish, such as dried thyme or rosemary, to add extra flavor. Simply add the spices or seasonings to the skillet along with the paprika and dried oregano and cook until fragrant.

Can I serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad?

Yes, you can serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. Simply slice the bread and serve it on the side, or toss the salad with your favorite dressing and serve it alongside the dish.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card