Beef and Potato Skillet

This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes – packed with perfectly browned potatoes, seasoned ground beef, colorful peppers, and melted cheese for maximum comfort food satisfaction!

When you need a hearty, satisfying dinner that comes together in one skillet without any fuss, this amazing beef and potato skillet is exactly what busy families need. With crispy-edged potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, it’s like the best diner hash made at home – and so much better!

Perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners when you want something filling and delicious but don’t have time for complicated recipes, this kid-approved and budget-friendly skillet meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – serve it for dinner, breakfast-for-dinner, or even weekend brunch!

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

This hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying one-pan skillet combines all your favorite comfort food flavors into one amazing family dinner!

One-pan convenience – everything cooks together in a single skillet for easy prep and virtually no cleanup on busy nights.
Ready in 25 minutes – from start to finish, this satisfying dinner comes together incredibly quickly for those rushed weeknight meals.
Budget-friendly ingredients – uses affordable pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and basic vegetables to feed a family generously.
Kid and adult approved – familiar flavors that even picky eaters will devour, but hearty enough to satisfy hungry adults too.
Perfect browning technique – special cooking method ensures both the potatoes AND beef get perfectly browned for maximum flavor.
Incredibly versatile – amazing as dinner, breakfast-for-dinner, or topped with a fried egg for the ultimate comfort meal.
Customizable heat level – easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.

What You Need

With perfectly browned potatoes, seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese, this skillet delivers serious comfort food satisfaction with simple ingredients.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!

Lean ground beef – provides the hearty protein base. You can substitute ground chicken or turkey (but not turkey breast – it’s too lean).

Medium potatoes – cut into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Russets or Yukon Gold work perfectly!

Bell peppers – use a mix of colors for visual appeal, or stick with one color to keep it simple. Adds great crunch and sweetness.

Yellow onion – adds savory depth and caramelized flavor when cooked with the beef and potatoes.

Fresh garlic – minced for maximum flavor distribution throughout the skillet.

Seasonings – smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper create that perfect savory seasoning blend.

Cheddar cheese – shredded cheddar melts beautifully over the hot skillet for that irresistible cheesy finish.

Green onions – fresh chopped scallions add a bright pop of color and mild onion flavor for garnish.

Oil – for cooking the potatoes and beef to golden perfection.

Equipment Required

This easy one-pan dinner comes together with just basic kitchen equipment!

A large non-stick skillet (essential for proper browning)
A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
A sharp knife for chopping vegetables
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Step By Step Instructions

Get ready for the most satisfying one-pan dinner that’ll become your new weeknight go-to!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!

Step 1 – Brown The Potatoes

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get golden brown. Stir and cook another 2 minutes for more browning.

Step 2 – Add The Beef

Move potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the other side and sprinkle both beef and potatoes with salt and pepper. Break up the beef and spread it out, pressing down lightly.

Step 3 – Cook Undisturbed

Let the beef cook for 4 minutes undisturbed (stir potatoes occasionally). This creates that perfect browned crust on the beef for maximum flavor development.

Step 4 – Add Vegetables And Seasonings

Add chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika on top of everything. Stir until everything is evenly mixed together.

Step 5 – Finish Cooking

Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, beef is completely cooked through, and potatoes are fork-tender, about 3-4 minutes more.

Step 6 – Add Cheese And Serve

Turn off heat and sprinkle shredded cheese over everything. Let the residual heat melt the cheese, then top with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Master this one-pan skillet with these helpful tips for perfect results every time!

Use a large skillet – this ensures everything has room to brown properly without overcrowding and steaming.
Don’t skip the browning – letting the potatoes and beef brown undisturbed creates amazing flavor and texture.
Cut potatoes uniformly – ½-inch cubes ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster, larger pieces take longer.
Press the beef down – this creates better contact with the skillet for superior browning and caramelization.
Test potato doneness – pierce with a fork – they should slide on easily when perfectly tender.
Drain excess fat if needed – lean ground beef shouldn’t produce much fat, but scoop out any excess before adding vegetables.
Let cheese melt naturally – the residual heat from the skillet will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking.
Customize the heat – add a pinch of cayenne or ½ teaspoon hot sauce with the paprika for extra kick.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape well and brown beautifully. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they don’t brown as well.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works fine, or you can substitute with chili powder for a different flavor profile. The smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, but it’s not essential.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This skillet is best served immediately while the potatoes are crispy and the cheese is melted. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or skillet, though the potatoes won’t be as crispy.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Test by piercing a cube with a fork – it should slide on easily with no resistance if properly cooked through.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn would all be delicious additions. Add them with the onions and peppers.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile skillet is amazing on its own, but here are some delicious ways to serve it:
Top with a fried egg – this transforms it into the ultimate breakfast-for-dinner meal that’s absolutely incredible.
Add a dollop of sour cream – the cool creaminess pairs perfectly with the hearty, seasoned skillet.
Serve with hot sauce – for those who like extra heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce is perfect.
Pair with a simple salad – a fresh green salad balances the richness of this hearty skillet meal.

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes – packed with perfectly browned potatoes, seasoned ground beef, colorful peppers, and melted cheese for maximum comfort food satisfaction!

Course: Main Dish, Skillet Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 385kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
1 pound potatoes (about 2 medium, cut into ½-inch cubes)
1 pound lean ground beef
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark

Brown the potatoes – heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes in a single layer and cook undisturbed until lightly browned underneath, about 2 minutes. Stir and cook undisturbed for another 2 minutes to brown more.
Add the beef – use a wooden spoon to move potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the other side. Sprinkle both potatoes and beef evenly with salt and pepper.
Brown the beef – break up ground beef with wooden spoon and spread to cover half the skillet. Press down lightly with spoon. Cook for 4 minutes undisturbed while stirring potatoes occasionally.
Optional fat removal – if desired, scoop out any excess fat that has accumulated from the beef.
Add vegetables and seasonings – add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika on top of potatoes and beef. Stir until everything is evenly mixed together.
Finish cooking – cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, beef is no longer pink anywhere, and potatoes are fork-tender, 3-4 minutes.
Add cheese and serve – turn off heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese. Top with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

Skillet size matters – use a large non-stick skillet to ensure everything browns properly without overcrowding.
Perfect potato prep – cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Make them as uniform as possible.
Browning technique – don’t rush the browning steps! This creates the best flavor and texture in both the potatoes and beef.
Ground beef options – can substitute ground chicken or turkey (not turkey breast – too lean). Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.
Heat level – add a pinch of cayenne or ½ teaspoon hot sauce with the paprika for extra kick if desired.
Serving suggestions – amazing topped with a fried egg, dollop of sour cream, or served with a fresh salad.
Storage – leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or skillet.