Looking for a hearty one-pan dinner that feels like comfort food but comes together in under 30 minutes? This Easy Ground Beef Potato skillet is the answer to those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying, flavorful, and fuss-free.
With golden potatoes seared to perfection and seasoned ground beef cooked until savory and rich, this dish offers the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and juicy in every bite. Plus, it all comes together in a single pan—less mess, more flavor, and maximum coziness.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make this Easy Ground Beef Potato skillet as seamless as possible, a few essential tools will elevate the process and results:
- Heavy Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: A must for achieving crispy, golden edges on the potatoes while ensuring even browning on the beef.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing potatoes evenly, which ensures uniform cooking.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the beef and flipping the potatoes without breaking them.
- Lid for the Skillet: Optional but helpful if you want to speed up the potato cooking by steaming them briefly.
These tools make a big difference in achieving that irresistible texture and depth of flavor that makes this dish a keeper.

Ingredients for the Easy Ground Beef Potato
- Baby Yellow Potatoes – These hold their shape well and develop a creamy interior with crisp edges.
- Ground Beef (80/20) – The slight fat content builds richness and flavor in the skillet.
- Garlic Cloves – Adds depth and aromatic warmth.
- Red Chili Flakes – For a hint of heat that livens up the beef.
- Smoked Paprika – Brings out a smoky depth that complements both meat and potatoes.
- Salt and Black Pepper – To season both components perfectly.
- Chopped Chives – For garnish, a fresh, oniony lift right before serving.
Each ingredient contributes to a rustic and robust profile that transforms humble staples into a showstopping meal.
How To Make the Easy Ground Beef Potato
Step 1: Sear the Potatoes
Slice the baby yellow potatoes in half. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and place potatoes cut-side down. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 minutes until fork tender. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In the same skillet, add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Season & Combine
Add minced garlic, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well. Add the seared potatoes back into the skillet and gently fold them in.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Serving and Storing Easy Ground Beef Potato
Serve this dish straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style dinner. It’s excellent as is, or paired with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to lighten things up. Want to add a sauce? A dollop of sour cream or herbed yogurt works wonders.
To store leftovers, transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispness of the potatoes, or pop it into a microwave if you’re short on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Golds or red potatoes work well. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Is it okay to use lean ground beef?
Absolutely, though an 80/20 blend gives a juicier texture. Leaner beef may need a splash of oil for richness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can! Cook everything and reheat in the skillet. It holds up nicely for meal prep.
What vegetables can I add?
Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added after browning the beef.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Technically yes, but the potatoes might lose their texture. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Want More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas?
If this skillet dinner hit the spot, there are more beefy comfort meals you’ll love.
You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a creamy pasta packed with flavor and weeknight ease. Or try the Sloppy Joe Casserole, a nostalgic twist layered in cheesy goodness.
For hearty one-pot options, the Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe is a timeless favorite. If you’re after a spicy hit, the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta combines bold flavors with tender noodles in one fiery bite.
For a budget-friendly variation, the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt delivers flavor without fuss.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go spicy or stick to classic seasonings? Drop your tweaks in the comments below. You can also find daily recipes and new ideas on my Pinterest: LadyPlate.

Easy Ground Beef Potato
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy Ground Beef Potato is a one-pan skillet meal perfect for weeknights. With crisped golden potatoes and seasoned ground beef cooked in harmony, it’s both hearty and full of flavor. Finished with garlic, smoked paprika, and chives, this dish is comfort food made simple.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes, halved
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons oil for frying
2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
1. Slice the potatoes in half. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place potatoes cut-side down and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in minced garlic, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Return the seared potatoes to the skillet and gently fold them in with the beef. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.
5. Turn off heat, garnish with chopped chives, and serve hot.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for the best crispy potato edges.
For faster potato cooking, cover the pan briefly with a lid to steam them slightly.
Add a splash of broth if you want a more saucy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg


