Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

The Beef and Potato Skillet is pure comfort in a pan—juicy ground beef, golden potatoes, and colorful veggies all come together in one skillet for a hearty, weeknight-friendly meal. Every forkful brings a savory, spiced coziness that feels homey and a little bit nostalgic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy about these ingredients—but every single one plays a key role in making the Beef and Potato Skillet so satisfying! From the hearty ground beef to the creamy Yukon gold potatoes and all those bold spices, each element works together to create layers of savory flavor and appealing color in the pan.

• Olive oil: This gets everything started in the skillet, helping the beef brown and adding a subtle richness.
• Lean ground beef: The hearty base, providing protein and that meaty, comforting bite we all love.
• Yellow onion: Diced onion softens as it cooks, lending sweetness and inviting depth to the skillet.
• Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a juicy, slightly sweet crunch for balance.
• Yukon gold potatoes: These are tender but hold their shape perfectly. Peel and cube for the best, creamy texture.
• Beef stock (or water): Helps the potatoes soften and infuses the pan with rich, savory notes.
• Worcestershire sauce: A signature “umami bomb,” this deepens the overall flavor in just a splash.
• Dijon mustard: Cuts through the richness with a gentle tang, making the dish vibrant instead of heavy.
• Green onions: Sprinkled over at the end, these add freshness, color, and a little pop with every bite.
• Cumin, paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder: These dried spices create a savory, aromatic backbone for the dish, and their division heightens layers of flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning; divide between rounds for perfectly balanced taste.

Variations

This Beef and Potato Skillet is endlessly flexible—play with the ingredients or flavors to suit your cravings, your pantry, or any dietary needs. Here are just a few fun ways you can switch things up!

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground “beef” for a different twist without losing the skillet magic.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top in the final minutes, then cover so it melts into gooey goodness.
• More veggies, please: Toss in corn, peas, or spinach for extra color and nutrition—use whatever’s lingering in your fridge.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for those who love a touch of heat.

How to Make Beef and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. As it cooks, break up any large pieces with your spoon or spatula. Sprinkle in half of the measured spices now so the beef soaks up all that smoky cumin, warm paprika, and herby thyme flavor as it browns. Once the beef is fully cooked and nicely caramelized, transfer it to a plate and set aside, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

In the same skillet, add your cubed Yukon gold potatoes directly into those tasty beef drippings. Sprinkle in the remaining half of the spices, add a pinch more salt if you love those savory edges, then pour in the beef stock. Cover the pan and let it all bubble gently for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally—by the end, your potatoes should be fork-tender and most of the liquid will have cooked off.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Pepper

Remove the lid and add your diced onion and red bell pepper right in with the potatoes. Sauté for several minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are soft and fragrant, soaking up all that seasoned steam. This brings a gentle sweetness and gorgeous color to the Beef and Potato Skillet.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Now return your browned beef to the pan, sprinkling everything with Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Give it a thorough stir—watch the seasoning mingle and the potatoes catch the glossy sauce. Taste and adjust any salt or spice, if needed. Right before you serve, top everything with chopped green onions for freshness and a soft, oniony zing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Beef and Potato Skillet directly onto plates or into shallow bowls while it’s piping hot, making sure everyone gets a bit of everything. The green onions on top not only look beautiful, but they add a crisp bite to every hearty spoonful!

How to Serve Beef and Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh green onions are a classic topper—bright, crisp, and subtly sharp. If you have them on hand, try a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chopped chives, or even a little dusting of smoked paprika for extra color and aroma. A dollop of sour cream also works wonders and adds a luxurious finish to your Beef and Potato Skillet.

Side Dishes

This one-skillet meal is filling on its own, but consider serving it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up all the savory juices. For something lighter, enjoy simply with a side of sliced tomatoes or crunchy pickles to cut the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the skillet mixture into shallow bowls for a rustic, cozy vibe, or use a ring mold to plate it in neat stacks for a fancier touch. If you’re hosting a casual get-together, offer the Beef and Potato Skillet “taco bar”–style with tortillas and fresh toppings so everyone can assemble their own wraps!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Potato Skillet keeps like a dream! Cool any extras to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—it usually tastes even better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

This skillet dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. The potatoes may soften slightly but will still be delicious after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the Beef and Potato Skillet gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Microwaving also works—cover to trap moisture and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave a feel-good, stick-to-your-ribs meal that doesn’t require a ton of effort, this Beef and Potato Skillet is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try, play with the flavors, and make it part of your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy every hearty, comforting bite!

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