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Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet in 30 Minutes

ground beef and potato skillet - featured image

A quick and easy ground beef and potato skillet that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting one-pan meal features crispy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g), diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Optional: 1 bell pepper, diced
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Wash and scrub potatoes (no need to peel). Dice into ½-inch cubes. Dice onion and mince garlic. Measure out seasonings.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and cook until no pink remains, about 3-4 more minutes. Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add diced potatoes to the same skillet with the beef drippings. Spread in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Stir and cook another 3-4 minutes. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Potatoes should be golden brown and tender.
  4. Return cooked beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy top, broil for 1 minute.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For extra crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd the pan and avoid stirring too often. If potatoes are taking longer, cover the skillet for a few minutes to trap steam. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, potato skillet, easy dinner, weeknight meal, one-pan, comfort food