If there’s one thing I can count on to make my family actually excited for dinner, it’s this easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet. We’re talking hearty, flavorful, and done in one pan – which means fewer dishes for me (yes, please!). It’s the kind of meal that comes together fast, hits all the right comfort food notes, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

I originally made this out of desperation—there were potatoes in the pantry that were starting to look sad, and a pound of ground beef thawing in the fridge. I just threw everything into a skillet with a few spices, and guess what? It turned out to be one of those “accidental favorites” that we now make at least once a week.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking for two, or just need something simple after a long day, this recipe is golden. And the best part? You probably already have everything you need on hand. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip this up:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (I love using Yukon Golds for their buttery texture)

• 1 pound 93% lean ground beef

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (like sriracha – add to your taste!)

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Optional toppings for serving: Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice

Step-by-Step: Starting the Skillet

Step 1: Heat up your skillet
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, reduce the heat to medium – we don’t want to burn the oil, just get everything nice and sizzly.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes
Add your diced potatoes to the skillet. Keep them moving with a spatula or wooden spoon so they don’t stick. This part takes about 6 minutes, and you’re aiming for the potatoes to get that golden, crispy edge while still being just a bit firm in the center. (They’ll finish cooking later.)

Step 3: Add the beef, onion, and bell pepper
Now it’s time to toss in your ground beef, onions, and red bell pepper. Break the meat apart as it cooks using your spatula. Everything will start to smell amazing at this point. The beef should start browning, and the veggies will soften slightly.

So far, we’ve built a flavorful base layer, and the house already smells like you’ve been cooking all day (in the best way). But wait—there’s more flavor coming your way in Part 2!

➡️ Up Next in Part 2: Adding Spices, Finishing Touches & Pro Tips

Stay with me—we’re about to spice things up and finish this dish strong with just a few more easy steps!

Step 4: Spice It Up

Once your beef is browned and those onions are soft and fragrant, it’s time to stir in the flavor bomb combo:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (I used sriracha, but any favorite will do)

👉 Tip: If you’re spice-sensitive, start with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce and taste-test later. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

This mixture gives the dish a slightly smoky, tangy, and savory punch that seriously tastes like it’s been simmering all day—even though it only takes a few more minutes.

Give everything a good stir so the spices are evenly distributed, and continue cooking for about 6 to 8 more minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Finish with Green Onions

Right at the end, stir in your sliced green onions. They add that perfect pop of freshness and just a tiny bite that balances all the richness.

Now’s the time to taste and adjust. Need more salt? A splash more hot sauce? Go for it. This is your dish—make it exactly how you like it.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, here’s where you can get creative. This skillet meal is delicious all on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, try these serving ideas:

• Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream – this adds creaminess and cools down the spice.

• Sprinkle on shredded cheddar cheese – melted cheese + potatoes + beef? Say no more.

• Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice – a great way to stretch the meal or sneak in some extra veggies.

• Reheat leftovers for breakfast – my favorite hack is turning this into a savory breakfast hash with a fried egg on top. So. Good.

Make-Ahead & Leftovers

If you’re into meal prep, this recipe is perfect! You can easily make it ahead of time and reheat it throughout the week.

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To Reheat: Pop it into a skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the potatoes, or microwave for a quick fix.

• To Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this one—potatoes can get a little mealy and mushy when thawed.

👉 Pro Tip: Want to give leftovers new life? Try wrapping them in a tortilla with some cheese for a delicious burrito or taco-style lunch.

Variations & Swaps

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to swap in what you’ve got in the fridge:

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

• Swap red bell pepper for green, yellow, or orange—whatever you’ve got on hand.

• Add some beans or corn for a Southwestern twist.

• Toss in spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.

You really can’t go wrong. It’s one of those “clean out the fridge” kind of meals that still tastes like a comfort classic.

We’re in the home stretch! By now, you’re probably already imagining this hearty ground beef and potatoes skillet sizzling away on your stove, and let me tell you—it’s even better than it sounds.

Before we wrap up, I wanted to answer a few of the most common questions I’ve gotten about this recipe. Whether you’re wondering about ingredient swaps, meal prep, or picky eaters, I’ve got you covered.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Edition

1. Can I use another type of potato?

Yes! While Yukon Golds are my favorite because of their buttery texture and thin skins, you can easily use Russet potatoes or even red potatoes. Just make sure to dice them small (about ¼-inch) so they cook through evenly.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This ground beef and potatoes skillet actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to re-crisp everything in a skillet over medium heat—sometimes I even crack an egg on top and turn it into a breakfast hash.

3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Not really. Because of the potatoes, the texture tends to get a little grainy after freezing. If you’re meal prepping, it’s best to keep it in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

4. Can I make it less spicy for kids?

Yes, just reduce the amount of hot sauce or leave it out altogether. You’ll still get tons of flavor from the Worcestershire, paprika, and mustard. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for the spice lovers at the table.

5. What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This ground beef and potatoes recipe is super versatile, but here are a few ideas:

• A simple green salad on the side

• Steamed veggies for extra fiber

• Warm tortillas to scoop everything up

• Rice or cauliflower rice underneath

6. Can I make this with frozen potatoes?

You can, but it’s not my first choice. Frozen diced potatoes (like hash browns) can work in a pinch, but they may release extra moisture. If using frozen, cook them a bit longer to help them crisp up and reduce sogginess.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce—some brands contain gluten, but many are gluten-free. Everything else in this ground beef and potatoes skillet is naturally gluten-free.

🥄 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Let’s be real—we all have those days when we’re staring into the fridge at 5:30pm with zero dinner plans. That’s when this recipe saves the day. It’s:

• Quick (done in 30 minutes or less!)

• Affordable (hello pantry staples)

• Satisfying (comfort food vibes without the heaviness)

• Versatile (use what you’ve got!)

• Family-approved (yes, even the picky ones)

There’s just something so cozy and nostalgic about ground beef and potatoes cooked up in one pan. It reminds me of the kind of meals grandma used to make—simple, hearty, and made with love. Except now we’ve added a few modern upgrades like hot sauce, paprika, and that perfect Dijon tang.

🍽️ Ready to Try It?

If you give this ground beef and potatoes skillet a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you serve it with cheese? Add a fried egg on top? Maybe spice it up with extra sriracha?

Leave a comment, share your spin, or tag me on social media—I always love seeing your creations!

More Easy Skillet Dinners You’ll Love:

• Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

• One-Pan Chicken and Rice

• Sausage and Peppers Skillet with Sweet Potatoes

Thanks for cooking with me! I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your kitchen like it has in mine. Until next time—happy cooking, and don’t forget to add extra hot sauce if that’s your thing!

💡 PS: Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe or pin it for later. Trust me—you’ll be coming back to it again and again.

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