Ground Beef and Potatoes

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Cook diced potatoes until golden, add beef and vegetables, season well, cook until tender. Ready in 35 minutes. Serve with optional toppings like cheese or eggs.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:35:01 GMT
Ground Beef and Potatoes Pin it
Ground Beef and Potatoes | recipesbyclare.com

A delicious twist on classic comfort food, this ground beef and potato skillet transforms simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal. After years of dismissing "meat and potatoes" as boring, I've discovered that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most satisfying dinners.

Last night my picky teenager went back for thirds, and my husband asked why we haven't been making this forever. Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones!

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Lean ground beef: provides protein without excess fat
  • Yukon gold potatoes: hold their shape while getting crispy edges
  • Fresh red bell peppers: add color and natural sweetness
  • Worcestershire sauce: creates rich, savory depth
  • Dijon mustard: brings unexpected tang and complexity

That time I tried skipping the Worcestershire sauce taught me it's absolutely essential - it adds that 'what makes this so good?' factor.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Homemade Pin it
Ground Beef and Potatoes Homemade | recipesbyclare.com

Creating Skillet Magic

Start With Spuds:
Cook potatoes until golden and crispy - don't rush this step!
Build Flavor Base:
Brown beef with onions until perfectly caramelized.
Season With Care:
Add spices and sauces, letting them bloom in the heat.
Marry The Flavors:
Combine everything together, letting potatoes soak up the seasonings.
Final Touch:
Garnish with fresh green onions for color and crunch.

Remember that time I tried to rush the potatoes? Ended up with half-raw spuds and a hungry family. Now I know good things take time!

Kitchen Stories

This recipe saved me during those busy back-to-school nights when I needed something hearty and satisfying but didn't have the energy for anything complicated. My daughter loves helping to cut the potatoes (with her kid-safe knife), and my son's job is adding the spices. Even on nights when we're all tired and cranky, cooking this together brings us back to center.

Perfect Pairings

A fried egg on top turns this into an amazing breakfast skillet. Sometimes I'll add a side of roasted broccoli or a simple salad for extra veggies. And don't forget some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious pan juices - trust me, you won't want to waste a drop!

Storage Success

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container for about three days, though they rarely last that long! I love reheating it in a skillet to crisp everything up again, then topping it with a fresh fried egg for breakfast.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe Pin it
Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe | recipesbyclare.com

Chef's Wisdom

  • Cut potatoes in uniform sizes for even cooking
  • Don't move the potatoes too much while they're browning
  • Keep some beef broth handy in case the pan gets too dry

This humble skillet dinner has become our go-to comfort meal. It reminds me that sometimes the best family memories come from the simplest meals shared around the table. Just don't forget the hot sauce - it adds that perfect kick that brings everything together!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different potatoes?
Yes, while Yukon Golds are recommended, any potato variety works. Just ensure they're cut into ¼-inch cubes for even cooking.
→ How can I make this spicier?
Add more hot sauce to taste, use spicier varieties, or add red pepper flakes during cooking.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, optionally topped with a fried egg.
→ Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, lean ground turkey works well as a substitute for beef in this recipe.
→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the potatoes' texture and re-crisp the ingredients.

Ground Beef and Potatoes

A quick, customizable one-pan dinner combining seasoned ground beef and golden potatoes - perfect for busy weeknights!

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

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons canola oil
02 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (Yukon gold preferred)
03 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
04 1 small yellow onion, diced
05 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Seasonings

06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
13 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (like sriracha)

→ For Serving (Optional)

14 2 green onions, sliced
15 Non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
16 Shredded cheddar cheese
17 Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
18 Extra hot sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil in large skillet over high heat until shiny. Reduce to medium, add diced potatoes and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring often, until starting to golden but still firm.

Step 02

Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper to skillet. Break up meat while cooking.

Step 03

Add all seasonings: Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Continue cooking while breaking up meat.

Step 04

Cook 6-8 minutes more until potatoes and onions are tender and meat is fully cooked. Stir in green onions. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 05

Serve hot with optional toppings like Greek yogurt, cheese, over rice, or on its own with extra hot sauce if desired.

Notes

  1. Leftovers can be reheated and topped with a fried egg for breakfast hash
  2. Not recommended for freezing as potatoes can become mealy
  3. Adjust hot sauce amount based on heat preference

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife for dicing
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains Worcestershire sauce (may contain fish)

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