Beef and Potatoes Skillet (2024)

Simple Ingredients

1. Lean Ground Beef : I use 93/7 ground beef in most recipes that call for it. It’s lean while still having some fat for cooking.
2. Onion : I use a yellow onion but feel free to use a white onion or a sweet onion if wanted.
3. Garlic Cloves : Use fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or pressed, use garlic paste from a tube, or chopped garlic from a jar.
4. Bell Pepper : I typically use a green bell pepper but any color of bell pepper can be used in this easy skillet meal.
5. Potatoes : It’s best to use white potatoes like russet potatoes, Idaho potatoes, or baking potatoes. You could also use red potatoes or Yukon gold yellow potatoes with similar results. Make sure the diced potatoes are in small potato cubes – about 1/2-inch or smaller in size – so they will cook in the time given in the recipe card below.
6. Worcestershire Sauce
7. Kosher Salt
8. Black Pepper
9. Smoked Paprika : Regular paprika can also be used. I don’t always have smoked paprika so this is a substitute I use often.
10. Dried Thyme
11. Beef Broth
12. Shredded Cheddar Cheese : For the best creamy and smooth melt, I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block of cheddar cheese.

How To Make One-Pan Ground Beef Potato Skillet Recipe

In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s no longer pink and cooked through.

Add the diced onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper into the skillet pan and continue cooking, while stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are softened. About 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease/fat from the skillet pan.

Add the diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme to the meat mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine.

Stir in the beef broth. Cover the skillet pan with a lid and let it simmer, over medium-low heat, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potato are fork tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally during the simmer time.

Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef and potatoes. Cover the skillet again with the lid and let it sit for about 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

See Also

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Remove the skillet pan from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, and then transfer to it to an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What Are Some Substitutions That I Can Make?

• Ground Beef :Substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Ground beef will give the dish a much more heartier flavor but a leaner option can be used if wanted.
• Cheese :Use any type of cheese that you prefer such as mozzarella, colby jack, pepper jack, white cheddar, or monterey jack.
• Vegetables :Add other vegetables like small diced carrots, peas, or corn for added nutrition. I recommend buying frozen veggies that are microwaveable – follow the directions on the packaging for cooking, once cooked add the veggies into the skillet pan along with the potatoes. I don’t think the cook time is long enough to soften potatoes and veggies, which is why I suggest using a microwaveable pouch of veggies.
• Spice It Up! :For a kick try adding a dash of hot sauce in with the beef broth or red pepper flakes.
• Garnish :Add some diced green onions over top the beef and potatoes or try serving it with a dollop of sour cream. For added spice and heat add some sliced jalapeños over top the skillet meal.

What Should I Serve With My Beef and Potato Skillet?

• Green Salad :A simple green salad with your favorite salad dressing is always a great side dish idea.
• Crusty Baguette Bread :Use a crusty bread purchased from the bakery to soak up the goodness with and scoop the potatoes and meat with.
• Steamed Vegetables :Serve some steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus on the side.
• Fried Eggs :Top each serving with a fried egg for a hearty dinner option with added protein.
• Cornbread :I love making myHoney Cornbread MuffinsorThe Best Cornbread Recipeas a side dish option.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I Use A Different Type of Meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. If using a leaner ground meat option you will want to add some olive oil or vegetable oil to the skillet pan when cooking it.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, prepare the recipe up to the point before adding the cheese. Store the food in the fridge (keep it in the skillet to make it easy), reheat the food on the stove top and add the cheese right before serving it.

Can I Use Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as a slightly sweeter and healthier alternative. They do tend to take longer to cook so the cook time may increase and you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of additional broth depending on if needed or not.

How Do I Prevent The Potatoes From Becoming Mushy?

Make sure to cut the potatoes into even, 1/2-inch cubes and avoid overcooking them. Simmer over medium-low heat and check for doneness after 15 minutes.

What If The Potatoes Are Not Getting Tender?

If the potatoes still are not softened and tender after the cook time, you may need to add a little water or beef broth into the skillet pan and cover it with the lid and allow it to simmer longer. If there is still liquid left in the skillet, remove the lid and allow the liquid to evaporate and cook out.