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Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet – Hearty, Rustic, and One-Pan Perfect!

Looking for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love? This Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet checks every box. It’s hearty, savory, and packed with comforting flavor — ideal for weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just want simple food done right. This one-pan wonder combines lean ground beef, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and aromatic vegetables and spices into a rustic meal that’s both delicious and filling. With bold notes of paprika, thyme, cumin, and a splash of Worcestershire and Dijon, this dish is anything but boring. Ready in under an hour with only one skillet to clean, this is a go-to comfort food classic you’ll make again and again.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 Viandes:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
🥬 Fruits et légumes:
  • 1½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes diced small
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
🧴 Condiments:
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
🧂 Aides culinaires et épices:
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp your favorite spice blend optional
🛢️ Huiles et vinaigres:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
💧 Liquides:
  • 1 cup beef stock or water

Equipment

  • Here’s what you need for this quick and satisfying meal:
  • Large skillet or sauté pan (with lid preferred)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Peeler (for potatoes, if preferred)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
  1. Wash and dice the potatoes into small ½-inch cubes.
  2. Dice the yellow onion and red bell pepper.
  3. Slice green onions for garnish and set aside.
  4. Tip: Leave the potato skins on for extra texture and nutrition!
Step 2: Sauté the Beef
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
  1. Push the beef to one side of the skillet.
  2. Add another 1 tbsp olive oil and the onion, garlic powder, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional spices.
  3. Stir and cook for 3 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Bell Pepper
  1. Add the diced potatoes and red bell pepper to the skillet.
  2. Stir everything together until well coated in the seasoning blend.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
  1. Pour in the beef stock (or water).
  2. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
  3. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover.
  4. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
  5. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed to avoid sticking.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  2. Sprinkle with sliced green onions for color and freshness.
  3. Serve hot as-is, or with a side of crusty bread, a fried egg, or a green salad.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave: Heat in 60-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Meal prep win: it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!
🥄 Variations
Customize your skillet to fit your mood and pantry:
Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or dairy-free cheese at the end.
Tex-Mex Version: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with avocado.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Southwest Hash: Top with a fried or poached egg and hot sauce.
Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini near the end of cooking.
Sweet Potato Swap: Use diced sweet potatoes instead of Yukon golds.
Vegan Option: Swap beef for lentils or plant-based ground and use veggie broth.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well — just add a little more oil for moisture.
2. What kind of potatoes are best?
Yukon golds hold their shape and offer a buttery texture, but russet or red potatoes also work.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes — add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to heat it up.
4. What’s the best way to avoid soggy potatoes?
Make sure to dice them small and don’t over-simmer. Uncover for the last few minutes to let liquid reduce.
5. Can I meal prep this for the week?
Definitely! It stores and reheats well for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
6. How do I make this dish Paleo or Whole30?
Omit the Worcestershire sauce and use coconut aminos instead. Use mustard without sugar.
7. What can I serve it with?
Try a green salad, steamed broccoli, or a fried egg on top for a full meal.
8. Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time — they cook faster than fresh.
9. Does this dish freeze well?
Yes! Let cool, portion, and freeze in containers. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
10. Can I cook this in a Dutch oven or slow cooker?
Yes, a Dutch oven works great. For a slow cooker, brown the beef first and then cook on LOW for 4 hours.
🏁 Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the kind of no-fuss meal that becomes an instant family favorite — rich, savory, and so satisfying. It’s a great way to stretch ingredients, pack in flavor, and bring comforting food to the table without a lot of effort.
Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this easy one-pan meal will become a weeknight hero in your kitchen. Loaded with protein, vegetables, and warm spices, it's rustic, adaptable, and 100% delicious.