Ground beef and potatoes — a simple, hearty, budget-friendly combo that can become anything from skillet dinners to casseroles, soups, or tacos. Here’s a classic and flexible recipe that works as a full meal or a base for your own spin.

🍳 Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet (One-Pan Dinner)

🕒 Ready in 30–40 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4–6

🔥 Stovetop

🧂 Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
3–4 medium potatoes, diced small (Yukon gold or russets work well)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
2–3 tbsp oil (for browning potatoes)
Optional: ½ cup shredded cheese or chopped parsley

🔪 Instructions

1. Brown the beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Drain excess fat if needed and set beef aside.

2. Cook the potatoes

In the same pan, add oil and diced potatoes. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until golden and tender.
(If they start to stick, add a splash of water and cover for 2–3 minutes.)

3. Add onion and garlic

Once potatoes are nearly tender, add diced onion. Cook 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute more.

4. Combine & season

Return beef to the skillet. Add paprika, oregano, and adjust salt/pepper to taste. Mix well and heat through.

5. (Optional) Top with cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover until melted. Garnish with parsley if you like.

🧁 Serving Ideas

As-is, with hot sauce or ketchup
Tucked into tortillas for taco-style wraps
Served with eggs for breakfast hash
Topped with a fried egg or avocado for a brunch bowl

🔁 Variations

Add veggies: corn, bell pepper, spinach, peas, or green beans
Spicy twist: Add chili flakes, taco seasoning, or chipotle powder
Cheeseburger version: Stir in mustard, a splash of ketchup, and top with cheddar
Casserole style: Layer in a dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden

🧊 Storage

Keeps well in fridge up to 4 days
Freezer-friendly (reheat in skillet or microwave)
Great for meal prep bowls!

Would you like a cheesy baked casserole version, a Mexican-spiced taco filling, or a soup or stew using this combo next?