Ground Beef and Potatoes

This comforting ground beef and potatoes skillet has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort. The combination of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and colorful vegetables creates a complete meal in just one pan that everyone at the table will devour.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed to stretch our grocery budget. My picky teenager who normally avoids anything remotely "mixed together" asked for seconds and now requests this dish at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing with its mild flavor and good heat resistance
• Lean ground beef: Offers protein without excessive fat; look for 90/10 or 85/15 for best flavor balance
• Yellow onion: Adds essential aromatic flavor; choose firm ones with no soft spots
• Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and color; green or orange bell peppers work beautifully too
• Yukon gold potatoes: Create a buttery texture that holds shape even when fully cooked
• Beef stock: Deepens the savory flavor, though water works in a pinch
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds instant umami depth and complexity
• Dijon mustard: Provides subtle tang that balances the richness
• Green onions: Bring fresh brightness to finish the dish; choose ones with firm white parts
• Cumin, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Create a balanced seasoning blend that complements both beef and potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon right away to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle half the spice mixture evenly over the meat and incorporate it thoroughly while continuing to break the beef into small crumbles. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops some browned edges. Those caramelized bits will add tremendous flavor to the final dish.

Cook the Potatoes:

Without cleaning the skillet, transfer the cooked beef to a plate, leaving behind any drippings. Immediately add the cubed potatoes to the hot pan to capture the beef flavor. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the potatoes and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the beef stock, which will sizzle and begin to release the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to create steam and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The potatoes should be fork-tender but still hold their shape with most of the liquid evaporated.

Sauté Vegetables:

Once potatoes are tender, add the diced onion and red bell pepper directly to the skillet. No need to remove the potatoes. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for another 3 to 4 minutes. The vegetables should soften slightly but still maintain some texture and vibrant color. They will release moisture that helps deglaze any remaining browned bits from the pan.

Combine and Finish:

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, incorporating it throughout the potato and vegetable mixture. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard over everything and gently fold together until evenly distributed. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste a small portion and adjust seasonings if needed; sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions. The residual heat will slightly wilt them, releasing their mild onion flavor. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transfer to a serving dish.

Save

The combination of thyme and Dijon mustard in this recipe was actually a happy accident when I was low on my usual spices. Now I would never make it any other way. My husband claims this simple skillet dinner rivals any restaurant comfort food he has tried and always goes back for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish keeps exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal planning. After cooling completely, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and warm on the stovetop or microwave. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers sometimes even better than the original meal. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Variations

Transform this versatile recipe to suit your preferences or pantry situation. For a Mexican-inspired version, swap the thyme for oregano, add a can of drained corn, and top with cheese in the final minutes of cooking. Create an Italian variation by using Italian seasoning instead of thyme, adding a can of diced tomatoes, and mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese at the end. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. The core cooking method remains the same regardless of which flavor direction you choose.

Serving Suggestions

While this skillet meal is complete on its own, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish. For extra hungry eaters, serve with crusty bread for sopping up any remaining sauce. During cooler months, I like to add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for additional vegetables. For gatherings, set out small bowls of optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a variation in flavor.

→ What can I use instead of Yukon gold potatoes?

You can use red potatoes, russet potatoes, or even sweet potatoes as an alternative.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it. Add a splash of stock when reheating to prevent dryness.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable stock.