Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet

Name: Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Optional: diced bell peppers or other vegetables

Highlighted under: Warm Ideas

I love making this Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet on busy weeknights when I crave something hearty yet simple. The combination of ground beef and tender potatoes creates a filling dish that's full of flavor. What’s great is that everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup for me and more time to enjoy the meal. This dish is versatile too; you can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the flavors to your liking.

Created by

Una Merrick

Last updated on 2026-02-27T21:33:35.916Z

When I first tried this Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The secret is browning the meat before adding the potatoes, which helps to develop a robust flavor that infuses the entire dish. I like to season it generously with garlic and paprika, which gives the skillet a warm, inviting aroma.

Each bite offers a comforting mix of textures; the tender potatoes complement the juicy beef perfectly. Don’t be afraid to toss in whatever greens you have on hand; I often add spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a nutritional boost. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen!

What You'll Love About It
Hearty and filling with minimal cleanup
Customizable with your favorite vegetables
Rich flavors developed from simple ingredients

Key Techniques for Cooking Ground Beef

When browning the ground beef, it's important to use a large skillet to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the meat to steam rather than brown. The goal is to achieve a deep brown color; this Maillard reaction not only develops rich flavors but also makes the dish more visually appealing. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces to ensure it cooks uniformly.

To check if the beef is ready, look for a uniform brown color with no pink remaining. If you’re using lean ground beef, watch out for dryness; adding a splash of beef broth during cooking can help maintain moisture.

Perfecting Your Potato Texture

Dicing the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about half an inch, is crucial for achieving uniform tenderness. If the pieces are too large, they may remain firm while the rest of the dish cooks, leading to an inconsistent texture. Remember to choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss; they hold their shape well and provide a creamy contrast to the meat.

For an added layer of flavor, consider parboiling the potatoes for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This step helps to kickstart the cooking process and reduces the overall time required in the skillet.

Customizing Your Skillet Dish

The beauty of this skillet is its versatility. You can toss in seasonal vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or zucchini during the simmering stage. If you prefer a spicy kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños can be added along with the paprika to give the dish more heat. Just be cautious and start with small amounts; you can always add more.

Additionally, swapping out the beef for ground turkey or chicken can lighten the dish, making it suitable for different dietary preferences. However, be mindful that these leaner meats may require slightly less cooking time, so keep a close eye on them to avoid drying out.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to cook for an easier process.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: diced bell peppers or other vegetables

Make sure to have everything measured out to streamline the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious dish!

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

Add Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Incorporate Potatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes and paprika, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Serve

Check the seasoning and adjust as needed. Serve hot, possibly garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your meal fresh from the skillet!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor of the dish. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily.

Serving Suggestions

This Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet can be a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread can elevate the dining experience. For a fresh touch, consider serving it topped with chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

For hearty leftovers, this dish holds up well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you'd like to repurpose it, consider stuffing it into tortillas for a flavorful wrap or serving it over rice or quinoa for an alternative base.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing for a busy week, you can dice the potatoes and chop the onion and garlic in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to save time on cooking day. Additionally, you can brown the ground beef ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months. Defrost it in the fridge overnight before using it in your skillet.

Since this dish comes together quickly once you start cooking, having all your ingredients prepped will ensure a smooth process. Just remember that once combined with the broth, the flavors meld beautifully, so try to enjoy it fresh for the best taste experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your potatoes are sticking to the skillet, consider adding a bit more olive oil or increasing the heat slightly to create more steam, which will help loosen them up. Keeping the heat at medium to medium-low can help regulate the cooking process, but too low can lead to a mushy texture if the potatoes release too much starch.

If the mixture seems too dry during cooking, a splash of additional beef broth can work wonders. This not only adds moisture but also enhances the overall flavor. Conversely, if you feel like you have too much liquid at the end of the cooking process, simply remove the lid and increase the heat for a few minutes to let it reduce to your desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can also work well in this skillet dish.

→ What if I want to add more vegetables?

You can add any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, carrots, or green beans are great options.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge, cooking them fresh when you're ready.