Smoky Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s bold, hearty, and made for sharing, the Beef and Potato Skillet absolutely deserves a spot in your regular rotation. This recipe packs golden potatoes, juicy ground beef, and a rainbow of veggies into a single pan, then swirls in smoky spices and zingy Worcestershire for a meal that checks every comfort food box—while keeping prep and cleanup blissfully easy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Beef and Potato Skillet calls for a line-up of everyday staples that each bring their own magic to the skillet—crisp potatoes, tender ground beef, bell pepper for sweetness and pop, and a few spice rack essentials that pull it all together. Each ingredient truly earns its place for both taste and texture!

• Canola oil: Helps the potatoes brown beautifully and ensures the beef cooks up juicy and delicious.
• Yukon gold potatoes: These stay creamy inside while getting gloriously golden on the outside—plus they soak up all the flavors.
• 93% lean ground beef: Offers tons of savory flavor but keeps things on the lighter side, so your skillet never feels greasy.
• Small yellow onion: Brings the perfect mellow sweetness that ties the whole dish together.
• Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, juicy crunch to every forkful.
• Worcestershire sauce: Lends a deep umami punch and that “secret ingredient” tang.
• Dijon mustard: Offers gentle sharpness and complexity, balancing the richness of the beef and potatoes.
• Smoked paprika: Delivers a warm, subtly smoky undertone that makes each bite special.
• Garlic powder: Ensures every corner of the skillet is touched by garlicky goodness—fast and fuss-free.
• Dried oregano: Gives a faint herbal lift that lightens up all those savory flavors.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for amplifying all the other ingredients—taste as you go!
• Hot sauce (like sriracha): Provides a customizable kick—start with a little and add more as your tastebuds desire.
• Green onions: A pop of fresh color and mild onion flavor sprinkled at the very end.
• Greek yogurt/sour cream, shredded cheddar, rice or cauliflower rice (for serving): These cool, creamy, or hearty sides make the skillet utterly irresistible.

Variations

The beauty of a Beef and Potato Skillet is that it welcomes just about any twist you can dream up. Feel free to swap, add, or riff on the ingredients so your skillet fits your cravings or what you have on hand—this is where the fun (and deliciousness) begins!

• Make it spicy: Go heavier on the hot sauce, toss in a diced jalapeño, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for an extra punch.
• Veggie swap: Swap the bell pepper for poblano, throw in spinach or kale at the end, or add frozen corn or peas for even more color and nutrition.
• Cheesier finish: Sprinkle the skillet with shredded cheddar or pepper jack, then cover for a gooey, melty topping that’s pure comfort.
• Low-carb option: Trade the potatoes for diced cauliflower or try ground turkey instead of beef to lighten things up (without losing any flavor).

How to Make Beef and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown and Soften the Potatoes

Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over high heat, then reduce the flame to medium and add those petite potato cubes. Let them sizzle and stir them regularly—they’ll start to turn golden on the outside, but should stay a little too firm in the middle (about 6 minutes). This early browning gives you irresistibly crisp corners!

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Sauté the Vegetables

Add the ground beef to the pan, along with the diced onion and bell pepper. Use your spoon or spatula to break up the beef as it cooks, and stir everything together so the veggies start to soften while the beef browns and sizzles.

Step 3: Add Seasonings & Finish Cooking

Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Stir, stir, stir! Keep cooking about 6–8 minutes more, until the potatoes are tender, the onions are nicely soft, and the beef is fully cooked. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this stage!

Step 4: Add Freshness and Serve

Right before serving, toss in the sliced green onions for a fresh, zippy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve your Beef and Potato Skillet hot, with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cheese, or scooped generously over rice—however your heart desires!

How to Serve Beef and Potato Skillet

Garnishes

The finishing touches can make your Beef and Potato Skillet truly sing! Try generous dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream, a big handful of sharp shredded cheddar, or extra green onions. For those who crave heat, a drizzle of extra hot sauce is downright addictive.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty as a stand-alone main, but it’s also delicious spooned over fluffy brown rice or cauliflower rice to soak up those juices. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad or simple sautéed greens for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the Beef and Potato Skillet family-style right from the pan (my favorite for weeknights), or try dishing it into individual oven-safe bowls, topping with cheese, and broiling for a bubbly finish. For brunch, add a poached egg on top—absolute magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Potato Skillet is just as tasty the next day! Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s fabulous for meal prep and lunches, too.

Freezing

This skillet freezes beautifully, though potatoes may soften slightly. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Beef and Potato Skillet in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Individual portions can also be microwaved until hot—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about this Beef and Potato Skillet—it’s the recipe I crave on chilly evenings and the one I turn to when family or friends drop by. If you’re looking for a meal that’s as easy as it is comforting, give this a try. I promise your kitchen will smell amazing and your table will be full of happy faces!

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