Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Featured in Simple Beef Recipes That Work.

This tasty dish mixes seasoned beef, crispy potatoes, and colorful veggies all in one skillet. Ready in 35 minutes, great for any busy evening.

Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:29:26 GMT
A pan with crispy potatoes, ground beef, veggies, topped with sour cream and green onions. Pin it
A pan with crispy potatoes, ground beef, veggies, topped with sour cream and green onions. | thefamilycooks.com

My Ground Beef and Potatoes pan dinner has been rescuing mealtime at our house for ages. I adore how the hearty beef blends with soft potatoes and crisp red peppers making total comfort food heaven. What really makes it work is that awesome mix of smoky paprika, tangy Dijon and just a hint of hot sauce that turns this from basic to absolutely incredible.

Why This Dish Stands Out

Through years of busy evenings, I've figured out that common ingredients can turn into something wonderful. This meal has become my go-to single-pan creation giving us protein, veggies and those tasty potatoes all cooked together. The flavors change everyday items into a dinner that pleases everyone sitting down, and you'll have it ready in under half an hour.

Your Shopping List

  • Lean Ground Beef: I grab 90/10 for just the right mix of taste and healthiness.
  • Potatoes: Golden or red varieties shine in this recipe.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Brings wonderful brightness and natural sweetness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A tiny bit makes everything taste fuller.
  • Dijon Mustard: Believe me, it adds incredible flavor layers.
  • Spices: My combo of smoky paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
  • Hot Sauce: Throw in whatever amount works for you.

Let's Start Cooking

Ready to Serve
Set out your plates and maybe whip up a quick salad, your meal's good to go.
Bring It All Together
Add those beautiful potatoes back and let everything mingle together for a bit.
Time for the Main Event
Toss in your beef and crumble it well, then add peppers and all those tasty seasonings until everything cooks through.
Get Those Potatoes Going
Warm your skillet, pour in oil and cook those potato chunks until they're brown and soft, about 10 minutes.

My Kitchen Secrets

New spices really boost this meal's flavor. Don't crowd your potato pieces for better crispiness. Adjust the hot sauce till you get the right kick. Don't stir the potatoes too much and they'll get extra crunchy edges.

Making the Most of Leftovers

Put a fried egg on top of yesterday's dinner for a tasty breakfast mix. Stir leftovers with beaten eggs for a filling morning plate. I sometimes stuff everything in a tortilla with cheese when lunchtime comes around.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any extras in your fridge and they'll stay tasty for around 3 days. Heat them up gently in a pan to keep everything nice and tender. Don't try freezing this one though, your potatoes won't turn out right when defrosted.

Kitchen Tools You'll Love

My Dutch oven works wonders for this meal, holds the temperature perfectly. A meat chopper makes working with the beef so much quicker. Find a good sturdy spatula that can handle heat for mixing everything up.

A skillet filled with seasoned ground beef and diced potatoes, garnished with chopped green onions. Pin it
A skillet filled with seasoned ground beef and diced potatoes, garnished with chopped green onions. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch the potato type?

Yep, red or russets work great. Just chop them into uniform, small cubes so they cook evenly.

→ How do I stop potatoes from sticking?

Use enough oil and avoid stirring too much. Let the crust form before flipping them around.

→ Is this good for meal prep?

Totally! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan to keep everything crispy.

→ What are good swaps for ground beef?

Try ground turkey or pork instead. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it's cooked all the way through.

→ How can I add heat to this?

Throw in hot sauce, spicy paprika, or diced jalapeños when cooking the bell peppers.

Beef and Potatoes Skillet

An easy skillet meal with ground beef, golden potatoes, and veggies like onions or peppers. Finish with cheese or eggs for extra flavor.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 skillet)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound of lean ground beef.
02 1 pound of small diced potatoes.
03 1 diced red bell pepper.
04 2 tablespoons cooking oil.
05 1 chopped yellow onion.
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
08 2 teaspoons smoked paprika.
09 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
10 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
11 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
12 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
13 1-2 teaspoons your favorite hot sauce.
14 2 sliced green onions.
15 Shredded cheese for topping.
16 Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for serving.
17 Hot sauce for extra flavor.
18 Cooked rice or riced cauliflower to serve with.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up oil in a big pan. Toss in the potatoes and let them cook for about 6 minutes until they start crisping up.

Step 02

Add meat, onion, and bell pepper to the pan. Break up the meat as it cooks. Stir in spices and sauces. Let it all cook together for 6-8 minutes until everything's done.

Step 03

Mix in green onions at the end. Taste to see if it needs extra seasoning. Dish it up hot with your toppings of choice.

Notes

  1. Quick clean-up—just one pan.
  2. Perfect for a busy evening meal.
  3. Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  4. Try adding a fried egg on top.
  5. Avoid freezing since the potatoes don't hold up well.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy if adding yogurt or shredded cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 387
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 26 g