Name: Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes (diced into ½-inch pieces); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound 90% lean ground beef; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon 7 spice; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 66 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors, this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine tender, golden Yukon gold potatoes mingling with perfectly spiced ground beef, all cooked together in one pan to create a symphony of savory goodness. It’s a classic meal that never disappoints, easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to become your go-to recipe for busy days or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are seven whole potatoes with light brown skin placed in a cluster at the top right. Below the potatoes is a clear glass bowl filled with bright pink ground meat with a coarse texture. To the left of the meat, there is a yellow onion with dry skin and two small white garlic cloves. Above the onion, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley with long stems. Next to the parsley, a small glass container holds golden olive oil, and beside it is a small glass bowl filled with white salt. At the bottom left, there is a small glass bowl containing three piled spices in brown, beige, and reddish-orange colors. Finally, a small glass bowl with ground black pepper is placed near the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but every element plays a crucial role in making this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe flavorful, well-textured, and visually uplifting. From the creamy potatoes to the aromatic spices, each component enhances the dish’s mouthwatering appeal.

2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used for browning the potatoes and the beef, adding richness and helping ingredients cook evenly.
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes (diced into ½-inch pieces): Their buttery texture holds up well when sautéed, providing a golden, crisp exterior and tender interior.
1 teaspoon salt (divided): Essential for seasoning both potatoes and beef, bringing out natural flavors.
1 teaspoon black pepper (divided): Adds a subtle heat and depth that complements the meat and potatoes.
1 pound 90% lean ground beef: A lean yet juicy protein base that’s key to making this recipe satisfying without being greasy.
1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and texture that balances the savory beef.
1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a smoky, mild peppery flavor that lifts the entire dish.
1 teaspoon 7 spice: A warm, aromatic blend bringing a layer of complex spice and an exotic twist.
½ teaspoon ground cumin: Offers earthiness and warmth that pairs beautifully with the paprika and 7 spice.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses an irresistible aroma and subtle bite when cooked with the beef.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright note and a splash of color to finish the dish.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Potatoes

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced Yukon gold potatoes, then season them with half of the salt and pepper. Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and become tender—this usually takes around 15 minutes. Once perfectly cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. This step ensures the potatoes get a lovely crisp exterior while remaining soft on the inside, creating the ideal texture contrast for the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Onions and Spices

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil along with the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Sprinkle in the rest of the salt and pepper, as well as the paprika, 7 spice, and ground cumin. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step packs the dish with incredible flavor as the spices toast gently with the meat, and the onions soften to add a natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. This short step lets the garlic release its aroma into the beef mixture, elevating the savory character of the skillet recipe even further.

Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Beef

Return the sautéed potatoes to the skillet and stir everything well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the rich, spiced beef mixture. This final combination melds all the flavors beautifully and makes sure every bite delivers the perfect harmony of textures and seasonings. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a pop of color and freshness before serving.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

A black frying pan on a white marbled surface holds roughly chopped white onions spread on the left side, with a mound of raw pink ground meat on the right side. In between, there are small piles of various spices in brown, reddish-brown, and black colors, along with white salt scattered near the onions and meat. The spices are finely ground and create a colorful contrast against the onions and meat. The pan has slight reflections of oil drops scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The chopped fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that brightens the hearty flavors of the skillet. For an extra touch, consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese—both toppings complement the ground beef and potatoes beautifully without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. These sides bring lightness and balance to the meal, adding crunch and freshness that highlight the skillet’s rich, savory profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this skillet recipe topped with a fried egg for a hearty brunch option, or scoop it into warm tortillas and add salsa for a rustic taco night. The versatility of the dish invites your creativity, making it easy to adapt for any occasion while keeping the same comforting flavors intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it properly sealed helps preserve the flavors and texture, making for a delicious second-day meal.

Freezing

This skillet freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly and avoid drying out the beef. You can also reheat in the microwave, covering the container to retain moisture. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help keep the potatoes and beef juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes are perfect due to their creamy texture, russet potatoes or red potatoes can also work. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and adjust cooking time as needed based on the potato type.

Is there a substitute for the 7 spice blend?

If you don’t have 7 spice on hand, feel free to use a mix of cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and black pepper, or simply omit it for a simpler flavor profile. The paprika and cumin alone provide a lovely depth to the beef and potatoes.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms to keep the hearty texture. You might want to add extra seasoning or a bit of vegetable broth to boost flavor when skipping the meat.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a mild, warm spice from the paprika, cumin, and 7 spice, but it is not spicy-hot. You can easily adjust the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you prefer a kick.

What’s the best skillet to use for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron works best as it distributes heat evenly and helps achieve those beautifully browned potatoes and beef. But any large non-stick or stainless steel skillet will do just fine as well.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings comfort and flavor together effortlessly. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy night but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to in the kitchen!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need