Beef and Potatoes

Section: Comfort Food Classics That Feel Like a Warm Hug

This satisfying one-pan combo of crispy potatoes and seasoned beef is perfect for weeknights. Ready in just 35 minutes.

iamcooker.com
Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Sun, 04 May 2025 15:36:00 GMT
A pan of browned beef, cubed potatoes, and colorful peppers with a dollop of sour cream topped with green onions. Save
A pan of browned beef, cubed potatoes, and colorful peppers with a dollop of sour cream topped with green onions. | iamcooker.com

My Ground Beef and Potatoes pan dish has been my family's dinnertime hero for ages. I'm crazy about how the skinny beef combines with soft potatoes and juicy red peppers to make pure comfort food heaven. What really makes it pop is that awesome mix of smoky paprika, Dijon, and just a dash of hot sauce that turns this from basic to absolutely mouth-watering.

Why This Dish Stands Out

Through many rushed evenings, I've figured out that basic stuff can turn into something fantastic. This meal has become my top one-pan solution, giving us protein, veggies, and those yummy potatoes all together. The flavorings change everyday items into a dinner that gets everyone at my table excited, and you can whip it up in only half an hour.

Your Shopping List

  • Hot Sauce: Put in as much or as little as you want.
  • Spices: My mixture of smoky paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
  • Dijon Mustard: Believe me, this gives such wonderful richness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tiny bit makes everything taste fuller.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Gives the perfect touch of brightness and sweetness.
  • Potatoes: Gold or red varieties both turn out great here.
  • Lean Ground Beef: I pick 90/10 for just the right mix of taste and health.

Let's Start Cooking

Ready to Serve
Fill some plates and maybe throw together a quick salad, dinner's all set.
Bring It All Together
Stir those beautiful potatoes back in and let everything mingle for a couple minutes.
Time for the Main Event
Toss in your beef and crumble it up, then add peppers and all those tasty seasonings, cooking till everything's just right.
Get Those Potatoes Going
Warm up your skillet, add oil and cook those potato chunks until they're brown and soft, about 10 minutes.

My Kitchen Secrets

New spices really change this meal completely. Don't crowd the potatoes in the pan if you want crispy edges. Adjust the hot sauce till you hit your sweet spot for heat. Don't stir the potatoes too much—they'll get extra crunchy that way.

Making the Most of Leftovers

Put a fried egg on what's left for an incredible breakfast hash. Mix them with scrambled eggs for a filling morning dish. I sometimes fold everything into a tortilla with cheese for next day's lunch.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any extras in your fridge and they'll last around 3 days. Heat them up gently in a pan to keep everything nice and tender. Don't try freezing this one though—those potatoes won't look so good when they thaw out.

Kitchen Tools You'll Love

I can't do without my Dutch oven for this meal—it holds the temperature just perfectly. A meat chopper tool makes breaking down the beef so much quicker. Find yourself a solid heat-proof spatula for mixing everything up.

A skillet filled with seasoned ground beef and diced potatoes, garnished with chopped green onions.
A skillet filled with seasoned ground beef and diced potatoes, garnished with chopped green onions. | iamcooker.com

Recipe Q&A

→ What other potatoes can I use?

Russet or red potatoes are great alternatives. Just chop them into small, consistent pieces to cook evenly and faster.

→ How do I stop the potatoes from sticking?

Make sure there's enough oil, and don’t stir often. Let them sit undisturbed to create a golden crust before flipping.

→ Can I prep it ahead of time?

Definitely, it stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheat it in a pan so the potatoes stay crispy.

→ What works instead of beef?

You can swap in ground pork or turkey. Just tweak the cooking time to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.

→ How can I make it spicy?

Up the heat by adding chili flakes, spicy paprika, extra hot sauce, or throw in some minced jalapeños with the veggies.

Beef and Potatoes

An easy dish featuring golden potatoes and seasoned beef cooked with peppers and onions. Add cheese or eggs to level it up.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Period
20 min
Entire Time Required
35 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia

Type: Soul-Warming

Difficulty: Beginner

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Portions (1 skillet)

Dietary Attributes: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Needed Ingredients

01 1 yellow onion, chopped.
02 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce.
03 1 teaspoon oregano, dried.
04 1 pound diced potatoes.
05 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
06 2 teaspoons smoked paprika.
07 2 tablespoons of oil (canola works well).
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
09 1 red bell pepper, chopped.
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
11 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
12 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
13 1 pound lean ground beef.
14 Chopped green onions for garnish.
15 Grated cheddar cheese – optional topping.
16 Serve with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
17 A side of cauliflower rice or regular rice.
18 Extra hot sauce if you'd like more heat.

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Pour oil into a big pan and heat it. Toss in the potatoes and cook them for about 6 minutes til they start looking golden.

Step 02

Add in the ground beef, bell pepper, and onion. Break up the meat as it cooks. Stir in spices, sauces, and seasoning. Cook everything together for 6–8 minutes, making sure it's done.

Step 03

Stir in green onions, check seasoning, and tweak as you like. Serve immediately, adding any toppings you enjoy.

Supplementary Details

  1. Everything cooks in a single pan.
  2. Perfect idea for busy nights.
  3. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  4. Try adding a fried egg for a twist.
  5. Not great for the freezer—potatoes don't freeze well.

Necessary Tools

  • A large skillet.

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy if yogurt or cheese are used.

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 387
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Proteins: 26 g