Name: Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), diced small; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or 1 bell pepper (diced)

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Ground Beef and Potatoes is a hearty, one-pan meal that brings together tender, seasoned ground beef and crispy golden potatoes for a simple, satisfying dish. I love making this on busy weeknights when I want something filling, budget-friendly, and comforting without a lot of prep or cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile and easy to make with pantry staples. The savory ground beef and well-seasoned potatoes come together in one skillet, making it perfect for meal prepping or last-minute dinners. It’s the kind of meal that feels homey, warm, and endlessly adaptable with different seasonings or add-ins. Ground Beef and Potatoes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, diced small)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Optional: dried thyme, parsley, chili flakes, shredded cheese, or bell peppers

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the diced potatoes and cook them for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and fork-tender. I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, I add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions until soft, then stir in the garlic.
I add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, and season it with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Once the beef is fully browned and cooked through, I return the potatoes to the skillet and toss everything together.
I let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and everything gets a little crispy on the bottom.
I serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of shredded cheese if I want something extra.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: Around 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add bell peppers or peas to the mix for extra color and veggies. For a spicy version, I use chili powder and red pepper flakes. I’ve also topped it with a fried egg or turned it into a casserole by topping with cheese and baking for a few minutes. When I want a creamy version, I stir in a spoonful of sour cream or grated cheddar at the end.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat to keep the potatoes crisp, or microwave it in short bursts. It also freezes well—though the texture of the potatoes softens slightly after thawing. Ground Beef and Potatoes

FAQs

What type of potato is best for this recipe?

I usually go with russet or Yukon gold potatoes. They hold their shape and crisp up nicely when pan-fried.

Can I boil the potatoes first?

Yes. Parboiling the potatoes for a few minutes can speed up the cooking time and help them get crispier when pan-fried.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. I often cook the components ahead and reheat them together in a skillet for a quick meal.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

I like adding Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, or even a splash of hot sauce. A sprinkle of cheese or a fried egg on top also adds richness.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes is one of those simple, classic meals that I can always count on. It’s filling, flavorful, and comes together with ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I keep it basic or dress it up with extras, this one-skillet meal always satisfies.