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Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Nikki Lee
by Nikki Lee Updated: March 19, 2025
4.76 from 132 votes

Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious yet simple meal made from staple pantry ingredients. This cheesy homemade dinner is quick enough for a weeknight meal and packed full of amazing flavors your family will request time and time again.

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My Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the comforting, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. I’ve crafted this recipe to be quick, stress-free, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy families.

An overhead shot of this Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet garnished with fresh chopped parsley

Classic Meat and Potatoes!

Skillet meals are a staple in my kitchen, and this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is one that my family can’t get enough of. Using everyday ingredients you likely already have, it’s a no-fuss recipe that still feels comforting and satisfying.

My mother-in-law used to make the best beef patties with thick-sliced onions, and I’ve taken her classic and made it a bit easier for busy nights. I added some cheese for a little extra flavor, and let me tell you, these simple ingredients come together so perfectly. It’s one of those meals your family will be asking for over and over again!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Ingredients

  • Ground Beef
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Potatoes
  • Heavy Cream or Milk
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Cheese (of course)
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes in a Skillet

  1. First dice your onions or use some from the frozen or produce sections of the grocery store.
  2. Next slice potatoes really thin. We like to leave the peel on, but you can certainly peel them first. I use a mandoline to get a really nice thin cut.
  3. Get a nice seasoned cast iron skillet or your use your favorite skillet that has a lid. I use a 12 inch seasoned cast iron skillet. Cook hamburger meat along with salt and pepper until nicely browned and done. Do not drain the grease for this recipe. It helps cook the potatoes and gives the dish tons of flavor.
  4. Add in fresh garlic and onions. You can also use jarred minced garlic or garlic powder if you don’t have fresh.
  5. Place sliced potatoes and cream in and stir it all really well.
  6. Put on the lid and cook for 20 minutes. Then give it a good stir and mix everything up and move those on the bottom up and give the others time to cook and brown up a bit on the bottom.
  7. Place on the lid and cook for 15 more minutes. Check to potatoes to be sure they are done (fork tender). If not, cook another 10 minutes or until potatoes are completely cooked.
  8. Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle the cheese on top and put the lid back on. Cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  9. Sprinkle with parsley and serve!
A single serving of this Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet on a dark blue plate

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Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe Tips

Tips

  • Make sure not to drain your drippings. You need to grease to cook and season the potatoes.
  • I like to use Russet potatoes, you can also use Yukon gold or a Red potato if that is what you have on hand. Keep it simple and use items you have.
  • Slice the potatoes really thin so they will cook nicely in this short amount of time.
  • If things start to stick badly when simmering, add a little beef or chicken stock or even water. You will notice them sticking a touch and that is okay. I don’t usually do not need to add any liquid. There is enough moisture oil from the hamburger meat and the cream.

How to Store Potatoes and Ground Beef

To store your Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

More Easy Family Friendly Meals

More from Soulfully Made

A single serving of this Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet on a dark blue plate with a fork
An overhead shot of this Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet garnished with fresh parsley

Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

4.76 from 132 votes

Click Stars To Rate

Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious yet simple meal made from staple pantry ingredients. This cheesy homemade dinner is quick enough for a weeknight meal and packed full of amazing flavors your family will request time and time again.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
 

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • salt - to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper - or to taste
  • ½ cup yellow onion - diced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic - minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 to 8 medium potatoes - thinly sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 2 cups of shredded colby jack cheese

Instructions
 

  1. In a large skillet, with lid, add in ground beef and crumble with spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook and crumble ground beef until done or browned. Do not drain fat off after cooking.
  2. Add in diced onion and fresh garlic and stir.
  3. Next add in thinly sliced potatoes.
  4. Pour in heavy cream or milk and stir to combine.
  5. Cover with lid and cook on medium low heat for 15 minutes. Then remove lid and stir well.
  6. Place lid back on and cook for another 20 minutes. Check potatoes to see if they are done (tender when pierced with a fork). If not repeat another 10 minutes and check. Cook until potatoes are done.
  7. Once potatoes are fork tender, sprinkle cheese on top. Place the lid on skillet and cook for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  8. Garnish with parsley or sliced green onion and serve.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review, letting us know how it was!

Notes

 
  • Make sure not to drain your drippings. You need to grease to cook and season the potatoes.
  • I like to use Russet potatoes, you can also use Yukon gold or a Red potato if that is what you have on hand. Keep it simple and use items you have.
  • Slice the potatoes really thin so they will cook nicely in this short amount of time.
  • If things start to stick badly when simmering, add a little beef or chicken stock or even water. You will notice them sticking a touch and that is okay. I don’t usually do not need to add any liquid. There is enough moisture oil from the hamburger meat and the cream.

Want to Save this Recipe?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 1 serving | Calories: 627 kcal | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Protein: 36 g | Fat: 35 g | Saturated Fat: 18 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 138 mg | Sodium: 364 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 4 g

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4.76 from 132 votes (107 ratings without comment)

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