Introduction
This potatoes and ground beef skillet is a simple, budget-friendly one-pan dish that delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Thinly sliced potatoes simmer with seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices to create a savory meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Description
The dish layers soft, tender potatoes with richly seasoned ground beef, creating a balanced, hearty texture. It resembles a deconstructed casserole but cooks entirely on the stovetop. The flavors build as the potatoes absorb the beef juices and seasonings, giving you a complete and satisfying meal without complicated steps.
—
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons oil or butter
1 cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup frozen peas or corn
Fresh parsley for garnish
—
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
1. Slice potatoes thinly so they cook evenly.
2. Dice onion and mince garlic.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
1. In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
3. Add the Potatoes
1. Layer the sliced potatoes over the cooked beef evenly.
2. Pour in beef broth or water.
3. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Simmer
1. Cook for 20–25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. If adding veggies like peas or bell peppers, mix them in during the last 5 minutes.
5. Optional: Add Cheese
1. Sprinkle cheese over the top in the final 2–3 minutes.
2. Cover until melted.
6. Serve
Spoon into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.
—
Tips
Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Do not skip covering the skillet; steam helps soften potatoes faster.
If mixture dries out, add a little more broth or water.
For crispier potatoes, remove lid during the last 5 minutes.
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
—
Variations
Cheesy Version: Add a full layer of shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top.
Tomato Style: Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, hot paprika, or diced jalapeños.
Creamy Style: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream during the last 10 minutes for a richer sauce.
Mediterranean: Add olives, parsley, and a sprinkle of feta after cooking.
—
Correction (Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them)
Potatoes still hard: Slice thinner or cook longer with the lid on; add a bit more broth.
Dish too watery: Remove lid during last minutes to allow reduction.
Beef too greasy: Use lean meat or drain fat after browning.
Bland flavor: Increase seasoning or add broth with more depth (beef or vegetable).
Burning on bottom: Cook on medium-low and stir occasionally; avoid letting liquid fully evaporate too early.
—
Enjoy
Serve hot as a complete one-pan meal, or pair with a simple salad or bread. This hearty potatoes and ground beef dish delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every bite