Pin This hearty beef and potato skillet has been my weeknight dinner savior for years. When time is tight but I still want to serve something comforting and satisfying, this one-pan wonder delivers every time with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when my family needed comfort food but I had zero patience for complicated cooking. Now it's requested at least twice a month, especially during the cooler seasons when we crave something hearty and filling.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and juiciness without excessive grease
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These maintain their shape better than other varieties and have a naturally buttery flavor
- Yellow onion: Provides essential sweetness and depth to the base flavors
- Red bell pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and vitamin C to balance the richness
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable for that aromatic punch
- Smoked paprika: This Spanish spice addition transforms ordinary beef into something special with its subtle smokiness
- Dried herbs: Thyme and oregano work together to create a classic savory profile
- Beef broth: Helps steam and tenderize the potatoes while adding more flavor than plain water would
- Cheddar cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that irresistible melty finish
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Heat olive oil until shimmering in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with your spatula. Cook for a full 5-6 minutes until no pink remains and you see some caramelization forming on the meat. This browning creates rich flavor compounds that form the foundation of the dish. Transfer to a plate, leaving behind any rendered fat for extra flavor.
- Cook the potatoes:
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add diced potatoes, spreading them in an even layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before stirring to develop golden edges. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes total, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should begin to soften but still maintain their shape.
- Add aromatics and vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the potatoes. Stir frequently and cook for 3-4 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the peppers to soften slightly but still maintain some texture and brightness.
- Build the flavor profile:
- Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir constantly for one full minute. This brief cooking time allows the dried spices to bloom in the oil and release their essential oils without burning the garlic, which would create bitterness.
- Combine and simmer:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, distributing it evenly throughout the vegetable mixture. Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These caramelized bits dissolve into the liquid and enhance the overall flavor. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes yield easily when pierced with a fork.
- Finish with cheese:
- Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top if using. Allow it to melt for about 2 minutes without stirring. The residual heat will create a beautiful melty layer that brings the dish together.
- Garnish and serve:
- Scatter sliced green onions over the top just before serving. Their fresh, mild onion flavor and pop of color provide the perfect finishing touch to this rustic dish.
Pin The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power years ago when a Spanish friend insisted I try it in place of regular paprika. The depth it adds to this simple skillet dish elevates it from basic to craveable, and now I keep two varieties in my spice cabinet at all times.
Make-Ahead Options
This beef and potato skillet reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook the entire recipe, allow it to cool completely, then portion into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture, and consider adding fresh green onions after reheating for that just-made taste.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for added nutrition and a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version with less saturated fat. Vegetarians can use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth instead of beef. For different flavor dimensions, try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar or add a can of diced green chiles for southwestern flair.
Serving Suggestions
While this skillet is a complete meal on its own, a few simple sides can round out the dinner nicely. A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet. For a family-style presentation, serve directly from the skillet with warm tortillas or crusty bread for scooping up every last bite. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds pleasant creaminess that balances the savory flavors.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring version Add fresh asparagus pieces during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Summer update Mix in diced zucchini or yellow squash with the bell peppers. Fall variation Incorporate diced butternut squash in place of some of the potatoes.
Cultural Context
This humble skillet dinner represents the practical American cooking tradition that emerged in the mid-20th century, when one-pan meals became popular for their efficiency and hearty appeal. Similar dishes appear across many cultures where potatoes and ground meat form staple ingredients. The addition of smoked paprika gives a nod to Spanish cuisine, while the overall preparation method reflects the practical approach of farmhouse cooking, where simplicity and satisfaction were the primary goals.
Pin This hearty skillet meal combines comforting flavors with simple preparation, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Enjoy the rich taste and minimal cleanup this satisfying dish offers.