Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Dinner: A Family Favorite

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering what on earth you can pull together that’s hearty, satisfying, and won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes? That’s where this one-pan wonder comes in. This Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Dinner is the answer to your busiest weeknights. It’s the kind of meal my grandma would have loved—simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor that brings everyone to the table.

Top Reasons To Make It

You’re going to love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s a true one-pan meal, meaning cleanup is a total breeze. Second, it’s incredibly forgiving and flexible; use what you have in your pantry! And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. A complete win.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty star of the show.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
• 1 pound russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes: They get so, so tender.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For a touch of earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a little warmth and color.
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Creates a simple, saucy base.
• 1 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because everything’s better with cheese.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To make all the flavors pop.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until it’s fully browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced potatoes, oregano, paprika, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
5. While the skillet is cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
6. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve right from the pan.

Ground Beef & Potato Cooking Tips

• For the best texture, try to dice your potatoes into similar-sized pieces. This helps them all cook at the same rate.
• Don’t skip the step of browning your ground beef well. Those little browned bits at the bottom of the pan are pure flavor gold.
• If your potatoes are taking a bit longer to soften, just add another splash of broth, pop the lid back on, and give them a few more minutes.
• Honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip the broiler step. Just sprinkle the cheese on top, put the lid back on for a minute off the heat, and it’ll melt perfectly.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for whatever you have on hand. For a lighter twist, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble. Not a fan of cheddar? Try mozzarella or a Monterey Jack blend for a different gooey factor. You can also toss in a handful of frozen corn, some diced bell peppers with the onion, or a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra fiber. So many easy meals start with a simple base like this.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This skillet dinner is a complete meal all on its own. But if you’re looking to round it out, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast. Some warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of the tasty sauce. It’s one of those dinner dishes that truly doesn’t need much else.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? Absolutely. Let the skillet cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, the microwave works just fine for a quick lunch, but for the best texture, warm it gently in a skillet on the stove over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead of time? You sure can. Assemble the entire skillet (without the cheese) and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, warm it on the stove until bubbly, add the cheese, and finish it under the broiler.
• What are some other healthy dinner ideas using these ingredients? Try adding spinach at the end for a green boost or using sweet potatoes instead of russets for more vitamins.
• Do I have to use an oven-safe skillet? Not at all! If you don’t have one, simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and broiling.
• Is this one of those cheap dinners for a family? It really is. Ground beef and potatoes are budget-friendly staples, making this a fantastic supper idea that won’t break the bank.