Easy Ground Beef Potato

Save this article on:

Hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Easy Ground Beef Potato skillet is the definition of comfort food. It’s a simple, rustic one-pan dish where crispy golden potatoes meet perfectly seasoned ground beef for a weeknight dinner that feels both satisfying and effortless. The balance of savory beef, tender potatoes, and warm spices makes it a go-to for those cozy nights when all you crave is something delicious and filling.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy, no-fuss dinner idea, this meal checks all the boxes. It uses ingredients you’re likely to already have on hand, and the cleanup is minimal thanks to the one-skillet approach. Serve it straight from the pan, garnish with a bit of fresh parsley or scallions, and enjoy the kind of dinner that disappears fast from everyone’s plates.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Potato

• Quick to make, with minimal prep time
• Uses affordable pantry staples
• Satisfying comfort food for the whole family
• Perfect as a stand-alone dish or with a simple side salad
• One-pan cleanup makes dinner stress-free

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started with this Easy Ground Beef Potato dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. First and foremost is a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan. This ensures even browning of the beef and crisping of the potatoes. A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board are also key for prepping your potatoes and any fresh ingredients like garlic or onions.

Tongs or a wooden spoon will help you stir and break up the beef as it cooks, while a colander is useful if you need to drain any excess fat. Having a lid for your skillet is helpful when it’s time to let the potatoes cook through evenly. Lastly, measuring spoons ensure your seasoning ratios are spot-on, making every bite just right.

---

Preparation Tips

Cut your baby potatoes in halves or quarters so they cook evenly and quickly. If using larger potatoes, dice them into 1-inch pieces. For faster results, you can parboil the potatoes before adding them to the skillet. Brown the beef first to develop rich flavor, and be sure to drain excess fat before combining it with the potatoes. Season in layers—a pinch of salt with the beef, then more seasoning as the potatoes cook—to build depth and balance. Fresh herbs added at the end (like parsley or thyme) give a bright finish.

---

Ingredients for this Easy Ground Beef Potato

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1.5 lbs (680g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water (optional, for steaming potatoes)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

---

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the baby potatoes well. Cut them into halves or quarters depending on their size to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a towel to help them crisp up better in the pan.

---

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Once fully cooked and no longer pink, season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed and set the beef aside.

---

Step 3: Sauté the Potatoes

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the potatoes cut-side down and cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes until they start to get golden brown. Stir occasionally and allow them to crisp on most sides.

---

Step 4: Add Onions and Garlic

Once the potatoes are partially browned, add in the chopped onion and sauté for another 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

---

Step 5: Season and Combine

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to coat the potatoes and onions well with the seasonings.

---

Step 6: Simmer and Soften

Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the potatoes. Pour in about 1/4 cup of beef broth or water if the skillet looks dry. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer for 7–10 minutes on low heat until the potatoes are fork-tender.

---

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove the lid and let any excess liquid evaporate if needed. Give the mixture a final stir and taste for seasoning. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving warm straight from the skillet.

---

Notes

This dish is highly adaptable. You can use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even russets—just adjust the cook time accordingly. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or swap smoked paprika with chipotle powder. If you prefer a leaner meal, opt for 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey. For added texture and flavor, consider tossing in some bell peppers, peas, or shredded cheese right before serving.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the skillet: This leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the drain: Leaving too much grease from the beef can make the dish heavy and oily.
• Undercooked potatoes: Always check doneness with a fork. If they’re still firm, continue simmering with a splash of broth.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic should be added late in the sautéing stage to prevent bitterness.
• Under-seasoning: Don’t forget to taste as you go and adjust the spices accordingly.

---

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through for even heating. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: ~480mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used, though they cook a bit faster. Expect a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Add extra veggies like mushrooms for a meatier texture.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red chili flakes, hot sauce, or use spicy ground sausage instead of beef.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes, brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure all your spices and broth are certified gluten-free.

What herbs go best with this dish?

Parsley, thyme, rosemary, or scallions all work beautifully for garnishing and added aroma.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or use two pans to avoid overcrowding.

---

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef Potato recipe is the ultimate solution for a quick, hearty, and crowd-pleasing meal. It combines everyday ingredients into something undeniably comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

---

Print