Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

The Beef and Potato Skillet is true comfort in one pan! Imagine bite-sized golden potatoes, juicy seasoned ground beef, sweet red pepper, and a magical blend of smoky, tangy spices—all sizzling together until every forkful is hearty, satisfying, and brimming with flavor. This weeknight staple comes together in just about 30 minutes and is endlessly adaptable to your tastes!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious recipe proves that simple pantry staples can be downright exciting! Each ingredient in the Beef and Potato Skillet brings something special—tender texture, color, smokiness, or that irresistible savory punch. Let’s peek at what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Canola oil: Helps the potatoes crisp and everything brown beautifully, creating flavor right from the start.
• Yukon gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and creamy texture make every bite comforting and hearty.
• 93% lean ground beef: Provides just enough richness without being greasy—it’s lighter but still utterly satisfying.
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef and potatoes.
• Red bell pepper: Gives a pop of color and a little crunch, plus bright sweetness to balance the savory beef.
• Worcestershire sauce: That quiet umami bomb that makes the whole skillet taste richer and more complex.
• Dijon mustard: Sneaks in tang and a touch of sharpness, waking up your tastebuds with each bite.
• Smoked paprika: Adds smoky complexity and a gorgeous golden hue—don’t skip it if you want that classic skillet flavor!
• Garlic powder: Disperses garlicky goodness evenly through every mouthful.
• Dried oregano: For a background note of earthy, herbaceous flavor.
• Kosher salt + black pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing forward all the other ingredients.
• Hot sauce (like sriracha): The optional kick that brightens up the whole skillet—add to your heat tolerance!
• Green onions: Stirred in at the end for color, freshness, and a gentle oniony bite.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar, cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice: Optional toppers and bases to make this skillet even heartier or more comforting—personalize as you please!

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Beef and Potato Skillet is just how easy it is to tweak! Whether you’re working with what’s on hand, cooking for a special diet, or shaking up the flavors, feel free to make it your own. Here are just a few delicious ways to switch things up:

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter skillet, or go plant-based with a meatless crumble or lentils.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in zucchini, spinach, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrients—just add at the right stage so they don’t overcook.
• Spice it Up: Swap smoked paprika for chipotle, add taco seasoning, or stir in fresh jalapeño for a new spin on the flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free: Top with non-dairy yogurt or skip the cheese to make it friendly for dairy-free eaters.
• Low-Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a satisfying, lighter skillet that’s still filled with goodness.

How to Make Beef and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Potatoes

Start by heating the canola oil in your biggest skillet—don’t be shy, you want enough room for everything to get cozy! Once the oil is shimmering hot, toss in your diced potatoes and cook them over medium heat. Stir them often so they turn golden and begin softening (think: just fork-resistant), which usually takes about 6 minutes. This step is the foundation for that classic “skillet” taste, so let those potatoes get some color.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Add your ground beef, diced onion, and red bell pepper straight to the pan with the nearly-tender potatoes. As the beef browns, break it up with your spoon or spatula and let the veggies soften, soaking up all the beefy flavor. You’ll notice the kitchen starts smelling amazing right about now!

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Now sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and your chosen amount of hot sauce. Stir everything thoroughly so the spices coat every crumb and cube. Let the skillet cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and the potatoes and onions are meltingly tender. Don’t rush—you want everything to cook together and deepen in flavor!

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions for that bright pop. Give everything a little taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Then, serve it up hot—pile on Greek yogurt, cheddar, or extra hot sauce, or scoop it over brown rice or cauliflower rice if you’d like a base. Each forkful of Beef and Potato Skillet is loaded with comfort!

How to Serve Beef and Potato Skillet

Garnishes

A dollop of non-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream does wonders for this skillet! I also love a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar and the fresh bite of extra green onions. Feeling bold? A final drizzle of hot sauce adds a zing that keeps everyone reaching back for more. Top just before serving for the best burst of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Honestly, the Beef and Potato Skillet is filling enough to stand on its own! If you’re looking to round things out, serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, or pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic-sauteed greens for a pop of freshness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the skillet mixture into halved bell peppers and broiling with a sprinkle of cheese for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer! Or, serve leftovers as a breakfast hash—just top with a fried or poached egg and watch the yolk mingle with all the savory goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Potato Skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making every reheated bite even more delicious!

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish because potatoes can turn mealy and lose their lovely texture once thawed. If you want to plan ahead, consider prepping the beef and veggie mixture and adding fresh potatoes when you’re ready to cook.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the skillet gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For a crispier texture, let the mixture sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring, or even top with a fried egg for a stellar breakfast version!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Beef and Potato Skillet becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine! It’s cozy, fuss-free, and absolutely packed with flavor. Make it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—so grab your skillet, round up those simple ingredients, and dig into pure comfort.

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