Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes

Name: Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Fast Feast

I love how quick and satisfying this Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Potatoes recipe is! With just one pan, I can create a hearty meal that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes. Within mere minutes, I transform simple ingredients into a comforting dish that the whole family enjoys. The cleanup is a breeze, and trust me, the leftovers are even better the next day. It's my go-to recipe when I'm short on time but still crave something delicious.

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:17:35.589Z

One of my favorite things about cooking this Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Potatoes is how versatile it is. I can easily switch up the vegetables based on what I have in the fridge. The secret to the dish is browning the beef thoroughly before adding the potatoes, which allows the meat to infuse its flavor throughout the entire dish. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the simple addition of spices—like paprika and garlic powder—turned a basic meal into something extraordinary. It's perfect for those busy nights when we want something comforting but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. Give it a try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes
Hearty and filling, perfect for busy weeknights
Simple ingredients that you likely already have at home

Maximizing Flavor

The key to a delicious ground beef skillet lies in how you season and brown the meat. When cooking the ground beef, ensure it's broken into small pieces, which helps it cook evenly and allows for better caramelization. Aim for a deep brown color to introduce richness to the dish. This browning process also adds a depth of flavor, which combines beautifully with the vegetables you’ll be adding later.

Don’t skip the garlic and onion. Sautéing these aromatics with the beef creates a delicious base that elevates the overall taste. Make sure to cook the onions until they become translucent, as this will help release their natural sweetness, contributing to a well-rounded flavor profile.

Vegetable Variations

While the recipe calls for bell peppers and potatoes, feel free to experiment with other vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, carrots, or even frozen mixed vegetables can work well in this skillet. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the vegetables you choose. For instance, zucchini cooks faster, so add it in after the potatoes have softened a bit to avoid mushiness.

If you love a bit of heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes along with the paprika. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a subtle kick that pairs wonderfully with the hearty beef.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and diced potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Season and Serve

Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, try adding your favorite herbs or spices. A sprinkle of cheese on top right before serving can also elevate this dish!

Storage and Reheating

This Easy Ground Beef Skillet stores well in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, cool the dish to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheating can be done in the microwave, or for better texture, in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or stock to ensure the dish remains moist as it reheats.

If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can chop the vegetables and season the ground beef the night before. Keep the ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator, and you'll have a quick and effortless meal the next day. Just remember to add the ingredients into the skillet in the right order during cooking to maintain the texture of the veggies.

Scaling the Recipe Up

If you need to serve a larger crowd, this recipe can easily be scaled up. For every additional pound of ground beef, increase the quantity of the vegetables and seasonings proportionally. Just ensure you are using a sufficiently large skillet or a two-pan method to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.

For a heartier meal, consider adding canned beans or corn to the mix, which will further enhance the texture and nutritional profile of the dish while maintaining simplicity. Just stir these in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm them through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen potatoes work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed until they are heated through.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add carrots, green beans, or corn based on your preferences!

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It's great on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or bread for a complete meal.