Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

I made this hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe during one of those chaotic weeknights when I needed something filling and fast. After experimenting with different combinations, I found that this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. 

The way the potatoes absorb all those savory juices while the cheese creates that perfect golden crust makes this my go-to comfort food. I love how everything comes together in about 30 minutes, and the cleanup is practically effortless. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation too.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Using the freshest ingredients and thoughtful choices makes all the difference in the flavor and texture of this dish. 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor foundation. Extra virgin works perfectly here.
• 1 pound ground beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for the ideal balance of flavor and fat content. The slight fat content keeps the meat juicy and adds richness to the dish.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Sweet yellow onions work best as they caramelize beautifully. Dice them small so they distribute evenly throughout the skillet.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential here. Don’t use pre-minced from a jar as it lacks the punch that fresh provides.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This concentrated flavor bomb adds depth and richness. Look for tomato paste in tubes for easier storage and portion control.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that adds that “what’s that amazing flavor?” element. Don’t skip this.
• 3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced: These hold their shape better than russets and have a naturally buttery flavor. Cut them into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
• 2 large carrots, diced: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and beautiful color. Cut them the same size as your potatoes.
• 1½ cups fresh corn kernels: Fresh corn is worth the extra effort, but frozen works too. Just thaw it first and pat dry.
• 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth: Quality broth makes a difference. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level myself.
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged. The Mexican blend gives you that perfect mix of flavors.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Season generously throughout the cooking process for the best flavor development.

Note: This recipe serves 6 people generously as a main dish.

Variations

This skillet recipe is super flexible and easy to customize. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or just want to mix up the flavors, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

• Spicy Southwest Style: Add 1 diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Creamy Comfort Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream during the last few minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy texture.
• Italian-Inspired: Replace Worcestershire with Italian seasoning, use mozzarella cheese, and add diced bell peppers.
• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast adds a nice cheesy flavor too.
• Lower-Carb Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced zucchini for a lighter version.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick look at the time breakdown, so you can plan your dinner easily. Prep takes just a few minutes, and the cooking process is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes 
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools on hand makes this recipe come together quickly and ensures even cooking. Here’s what you’ll need for easy prep and great results:

• Large oven-safe skillet: A 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet works perfectly for even cooking and easy broiling
• Sharp knife: Essential for evenly dicing vegetables to ensure uniform cooking
• Cutting board: A large board gives you plenty of space to prep all ingredients
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and scraping up those flavorful browned bits
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe?

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to whip up a flavorful skillet meal—even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find the process simple and straightforward.

Prepare and Brown the Meat

Heat your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the hot oil, breaking up the meat with your spoon as it cooks. Let the beef develop a nice brown color before stirring too much – those caramelized bits add incredible flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened and translucent. Season generously with salt and pepper, then drain most of the excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

Build the Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The tomato paste will darken slightly and become more aromatic – this is exactly what you want. This step creates the flavor foundation that will infuse every ingredient in your skillet. Don’t rush this process, as these few minutes of cooking the aromatics make all the difference in the final taste.

Add Vegetables and Simmer

Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and corn kernels, coating them well with the beef mixture. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Slowly pour in the beef broth, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these bits are pure gold for flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.

Finish with Cheese and Broil

Remove the lid and let any excess liquid cook off for 2-3 minutes if needed – you want the mixture moist but not soupy. Preheat your broiler while the liquid reduces. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire surface of the skillet mixture. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let it rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you get the best flavor and texture every time. I learned from many nights perfecting this skillet in my own kitchen!

• I always cut my vegetables the same size – This ensures everything cooks evenly and you don’t end up with mushy carrots and hard potatoes.
• Don’t skip draining the beef fat – I learned this the hard way when my first attempt was greasy. Leave just enough for flavor but remove the excess.
• I pre-cook tough vegetables when I’m in a hurry – Microwave the potatoes and carrots for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet if you’re short on time.
• Let the cheese get properly golden – I watch it like a hawk under the broiler because that golden-brown cheese makes all the difference in presentation and taste.
• I always taste and adjust seasoning at the end – The beef broth and cheese add salt, so I taste before adding more seasoning.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe?

This versatile skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with its hearty flavors. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with warm dinner rolls for soaking up any delicious juices. For presentation, I like to garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it family-style right from the skillet. It keeps the food warm and creates a cozy, rustic presentation that everyone loves.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect nutritionally from each generous serving of this satisfying meal:

• Calories: Approximately 385 per serving
• Protein: 24 grams of high-quality protein from the beef
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams primarily from potatoes and vegetables 
• Fat: 19 grams including the beneficial fats from olive oil and cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Keep your mealtime stress-free by preparing this skillet ahead or storing leftovers for later. These tips make it easy to plan, save time, and enjoy the dish fresh or reheated whenever you need a quick, hearty meal.

Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish completely except for the cheese topping up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and simply add cheese and broil when ready to serve.

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing: This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. You can also turn leftovers into breakfast hash by adding a fried egg on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This ground beef and potatoes skillet combines convenience with incredible flavor in ways that will surprise you.

• One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience for busy weeknights. You’ll spend more time enjoying dinner and less time washing dishes.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and basic vegetables, this recipe feeds a family of six without breaking the bank while delivering restaurant-quality flavors.
• Infinitely Customizable: The base recipe adapts beautifully to whatever vegetables you have on hand or dietary preferences your family requires. Swap proteins, change up the cheese, or add your favorite seasonings.
• Kid-Approved Appeal: The familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and potatoes make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters, while hidden vegetables provide nutrition parents appreciate.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe doubles easily and provides delicious leftovers that actually taste better the next day, making it ideal for weekly meal planning and busy schedules.