Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes

Name: Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Rushed & Ready

I love making this Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes because it's one of those dishes that comes together quickly and is incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground beef and tender potatoes cooked in one pan makes cleanup a breeze, and the flavors meld together beautifully. It's a definite crowd-pleaser that my family enjoys, and I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:01:36.208Z

I remember the first time I made this Easy Ground Beef Skillet. I was looking for something simple yet comforting, and this recipe hit the spot. The key was browning the beef properly to enhance its flavor and texture, which paired perfectly with the crisp potatoes. To save time, I used pre-diced potatoes, but fresh ones work just as well.

As I sautéed the onions and let their sweetness develop alongside the beef, I realized how important layering flavors is in this dish. A splash of Worcestershire sauce at the end elevated the dish, adding a savory depth that we all enjoyed. Trust me; this is a weeknight winner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pan meal that saves time on cleanup
Hearty and comforting, perfect for the whole family
Versatile recipe, great for using up leftover veggies

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Easy Ground Beef Skillet plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The ground beef provides the foundation of the dish, offering a rich, savory taste that pairs excellently with the softness of the potatoes. When choosing your ground beef, opt for a medium-fat content (around 80/20) for a balance of flavor and moisture. This ensures that your dish isn’t too greasy while still being juicy enough to complement the other ingredients.

Potatoes are the star of this dish, transforming from firm and starchy to tender and flavorful. I recommend using waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture when cooked. Dicing them into uniform cubes allows for even cooking, so aim for about 1-inch pieces. When combined with the bell pepper and onions, they soak up the broth and Worcestershire sauce, enriching their flavor profile while providing substantial bites.

Cooking Techniques to Enhance Flavor

The browning of the ground beef is a key technique that caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall flavor of the skillet. Use medium-high heat to achieve that beautiful, golden-brown crust, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; if your skillet is too full, the meat will steam rather than brown. Cooking in batches can help achieve that perfect sear if you're dealing with more than 1 lb of beef.

When adding the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them; you want the onions to be translucent but not browned. This step helps build a flavor base without creating bitterness that could overpower the dish. Also, stirring in the potatoes and bell peppers at this point allows them to caramelize slightly before the broth is added, bringing a depth of flavor to the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This dish is incredibly versatile; feel free to top your skillet with shredded cheese for a melty finish or serve it with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, sprinkled on top can elevate the presentation and add a pop of freshness. Consider pairing the skillet with a light salad or crusty bread to balance the meal.

If you're preparing this dish ahead of time, the ground beef skillet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Skillet

1 lb ground beef
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Gather all your ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking experience.

Steps to Prepare

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Onions and Garlic

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate Vegetables

Add the diced potatoes and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Simmer with Broth

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle paprika, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, taste for seasoning adjustments. Serve the skillet warm and enjoy a hearty meal!

Feel free to sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving for extra flavor.

Pro Tips

For added nutrition, feel free to mix in some frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. They add color and flavor while boosting the dish's nutritional value.

Variations to Try

This Easy Ground Beef Skillet is easily adaptable to cater to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef as it cooks. Alternatively, for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, though you may need to adjust seasoning levels, as these meats can be milder than beef.

To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or plant-based crumble, which can easily absorb the flavors of the broth and spices. You can also include a variety of seasonal vegetables like zucchini or carrots, which can be added during the simmering stage for additional nutrition and flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the potatoes are still firm after the simmering time, they may not have been cut into small enough pieces. If this happens, simply cover the skillet again and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically for tenderness. Adding a little more broth can also help create additional steam to soften them faster.

Be mindful of seasoning; if your dish seems bland, taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce before serving. Each brand has varying levels of saltiness, which can affect the overall flavor. For an extra boost, a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can introduce new layers of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe.

→ What can I use instead of beef broth?

Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet for an extra kick.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients earlier in the day and cook them when you're ready for a quick meal.