Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pan dinner loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Everything simmers together in a savory tomato-based sauce, creating a comforting meal with plenty of flavor in every bite.

Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it on its own for an easy complete meal, or pair it with bread, rice, or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

• Easy one-pan dinner: Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, which means less cleanup afterward.
• Simple ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and pantry seasonings create a satisfying meal without anything complicated.
• Hearty and filling: The combination of beef and potatoes makes this a substantial family dinner.
• Full of flavor: Garlic, tomatoes, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce create a rich and savory sauce.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors are delicious the next day, making this recipe useful for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled if desired and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Dice the onion and carrot, chop the bell pepper, and mince the garlic before you begin cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into bite-size crumbles as it browns.

If you are using very lean ground beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil as needed. Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, carefully drain excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Onion, Pepper, and Carrot

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and carrot to the ground beef. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4: Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic and seasonings become fragrant.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes and Tomatoes

Add the cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until evenly combined.

Step 6: Simmer Until the Potatoes Are Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.

Cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the potato pieces.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to your preferred consistency.

If the mixture becomes too thick before the potatoes are completely tender, add a small splash of beef broth and continue cooking.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Taste the skillet and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Cut the potatoes evenly: Similar-sized cubes will finish cooking at approximately the same time.
• Use a deep skillet: The potatoes and sauce need enough room to simmer without overflowing.
• Drain excess beef fat: This prevents the tomato sauce from becoming overly greasy.
• Keep the skillet covered while the potatoes cook: Trapping the heat helps the potatoes become tender more quickly.
• Stir occasionally: This prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom while still allowing them to hold their shape.
• Adjust the liquid as needed: Different potatoes absorb different amounts of liquid, so add a splash of broth if necessary.

Easy Variations

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

When the potatoes are tender, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Corn

Add 1 cup of drained canned corn or thawed frozen corn during the final 5 minutes of cooking for additional sweetness and texture.

Extra Vegetable Version

Add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or additional bell peppers. Vegetables that cook quickly should be added toward the end so they do not become too soft.

Spicy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings for a little extra heat.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Because this recipe already includes beef, potatoes, and vegetables, it can easily be served as a complete dinner. A simple green salad or steamed green beans makes a fresh side dish without making the meal too heavy.

You can also serve it with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the savory tomato sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and use within 3 to 4 days.

Keeping the beef, potatoes, vegetables, and sauce together helps prevent the potatoes from drying out during storage.

How to Reheat Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. Add a small splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened considerably in the refrigerator.

Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave until hot throughout.

Can You Freeze Ground Beef and Potato Skillet?

Yes, although potatoes can become slightly softer after freezing and thawing. Allow the cooked dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What potatoes are best for a ground beef skillet?

Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they have a creamy texture while holding their shape well during simmering. Red potatoes can also work well in this recipe.

Do I need to boil the potatoes before adding them?

No. The potatoes cook directly in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Keeping the skillet covered during most of the simmering time helps them become tender.

Can I use Russet potatoes?

Yes. Russet potatoes can be used, but they are starchier and may break apart more easily as the dish cooks. Cut them into evenly sized pieces and stir gently.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can replace the ground beef. Because turkey is typically leaner, you may need a little olive oil when browning it.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Insert a fork or the tip of a knife into one of the larger potato pieces. It should slide into the center easily without the potato completely falling apart.

Why is my skillet too watery?

Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered. The excess liquid will gradually evaporate and the tomato sauce will thicken.

Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the recipe as directed, cool it promptly, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving: 390 calories, 17g fat, 36g carbohydrates, 25g protein, 6g fiber, and 680mg sodium.

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used.

Final Notes

This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is an easy way to turn everyday ingredients into a warm and satisfying dinner. Tender potatoes, browned ground beef, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and onions simmer together in a savory sauce that makes every bite flavorful.

With simple preparation, one-pan cooking, and plenty of hearty ingredients, it’s a dependable recipe for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.