What the heck is this?
This is comfort food that shows up, gets the job done, and tastes like a hug in skillet form. We’re talking crispy golden potatoes, savory ground beef, and sautéed onions all coming together in one big, sizzling pan of yum. It’s the kind of meal you throw together with pantry basics and somehow end up with something that tastes like you really tried.
Perfect for busy weeknights, hangry teens, or just when you’re craving something hearty but not high-maintenance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ One-pan wonder — less mess, more dinner.
✓ Budget-friendly with BIG flavor.
✓ Feeds a crowd or gives you leftovers (hello, next-day hash).
✓ Customizable with spices, sauces, and extras.
✓ Basically the casserole’s cool, crispy cousin.
The Stuff You’ll Need
Main Players:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russets work great)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter for frying
Optional But Excellent Add-Ins:
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped green bell pepper or jalapeño
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for a little flair
Let’s Make Magic
- Crisp the Potatoes
In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let them cook until golden and tender — about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to get that crispy magic going. Set aside. - Beef It Up
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and cook your ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Toss in the onion and garlic and sauté until everything’s soft and fragrant (5–7 minutes). - Spice It Right
Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, and anything else your heart desires. Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want it smoky? Smoked paprika is your friend. - Bring It All Together
Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet. Mix it all up and let everything hang out together for a few minutes so the flavors get cozy. Taste and adjust seasonings. - Top + Serve
Sprinkle with cheese if using, let it melt a bit, then finish with fresh herbs and serve hot. You did it.
Serving Suggestions
• Add a fried egg on top for serious brunch vibes.
• Wrap in a tortilla = instant burrito win.
• Serve with ketchup, hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for balance (or not — your call).
Switch It Up
• Sub ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
• Toss in some frozen peas or corn for color + veggie bonus.
• Make it Tex-Mex with taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
• Add mushrooms and thyme for a beefy-potato-shepherd’s-pie-meets-skillet situation.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes?
A: Heck yes! Just dice them a bit smaller and be ready for a sweeter twist.
Q: How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
A: Don’t overcrowd the pan and let them crisp without constant stirring. Give them space to shine.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Totally. It reheats like a dream — just pop it back in a skillet or microwave.
Ground Beef and Potatoes: The Weeknight MVP
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This is comfort food that shows up, gets the job done, and tastes like a hug in skillet form. We’re talking crispy golden potatoes, savory ground beef, and sautéed onions all coming together in one big, sizzling pan of yum. It’s the kind of meal you throw together with pantry basics and somehow end up with something that tastes like you really tried.
Ingredients
Main Players:
1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russets work great)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter for frying
Optional But Excellent Add-Ins:
A splash of Worcestershire sauce
Chopped green bell pepper or jalapeño
Shredded cheddar or pepper jack
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for a little flair
Instructions
Crisp the Potatoes
In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let them cook until golden and tender — about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to get that crispy magic going. Set aside.Beef It Up
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and cook your ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Toss in the onion and garlic and sauté until everything’s soft and fragrant (5–7 minutes).Spice It Right
Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, and anything else your heart desires. Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want it smoky? Smoked paprika is your friend.Bring It All Together
Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet. Mix it all up and let everything hang out together for a few minutes so the flavors get cozy. Taste and adjust seasonings.Top + Serve
Sprinkle with cheese if using, let it melt a bit, then finish with fresh herbs and serve hot. You did it.
Notes
Sub ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
• Toss in some frozen peas or corn for color + veggie bonus.
• Make it Tex-Mex with taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
• Add mushrooms and thyme for a beefy-potato-shepherd’s-pie-meets-skillet situation
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420 per serving
- Protein: ~20g