Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet

Name: Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground hamburger meat; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Family Quick Meals Inspiration

I love making this Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet for a satisfying and straightforward weeknight dinner. The blend of ground beef and tender potatoes creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for the whole family. What I enjoy most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together, needing only about 30 minutes from prep to plate. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; I can easily throw in any leftover vegetables I have in the fridge to make it even more nutritious without sacrificing flavor!

Created by

Thea Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-27T18:20:47.408Z

When I first tried this Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet, I was amazed at how comforting and flavorful it turned out. Using my cast-iron skillet allowed the potatoes to develop a beautiful golden crust while keeping the beef juicy and tender. The secret to success here is to let everything cook together so that the flavors meld beautifully. I found that seasoning the mixture towards the end allows the spices to fully develop without losing their punch!

Another tip I discovered is chopping the potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook through perfectly in the given time. If you want a little kick, adding some smoked paprika or chili flakes elevates the dish. Now, it's my go-to recipe whenever I need something hearty, delicious, and quick!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Comforting and satisfying with a perfect blend of flavors
Quick and easy preparation, ideal for busy weeknights
Versatile; add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet contributes to its robust flavor and comforting texture. The ground hamburger meat is not just a protein source but also adds a rich, savory base. Using a higher-fat variety (like 80/20) will enhance the dish's juiciness, whereas leaner meats may result in a drier texture. If you're aiming for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but they will cook faster, so watch your timing.

Potatoes are the star of the show in this skillet, providing a hearty texture. I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their fluffiness when cooked. Dicing them consistently ensures that they cook evenly. For a twist, consider using sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness. Just remember that sweet potatoes may require a few extra minutes to become tender, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Cooking Technique Tips

The key to a flavorful Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet lies in the sautéing technique. Make sure to sauté the onions long enough for them to become translucent; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to extract their natural sweetness while building a flavor base. Adding the minced garlic just after the onions ensures it doesn't burn, which can leave a bitter taste. Stir until they're fragrant, about 30 seconds.

When adding the potatoes and spices, mixing well is crucial to ensure every piece is coated in seasoning. Cooking covered allows the steam to circulate, which helps cook the potatoes evenly and prevents sticking. If you find that your potatoes aren't getting tender enough, you can add a splash of water to create steam, covering the skillet so the moisture helps them cook through.

Serving and Variations

Once the dish is ready, consider toppings to enhance your Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for bright flavor. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also add creaminess and a tangy contrast to the savory flavors. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños can elevate the dish.

This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand. Add frozen peas or corn halfway through the cooking process for extra color and nutrition. For a more Mediterranean flair, consider incorporating black olives or even artichokes. These additions not only enhance flavor but also make your meal more colorful and appealing on the plate.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet

1 lb ground hamburger meat
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground hamburger meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Add Potatoes and Spices

Stir in the diced potatoes, bell pepper, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender.

Finish and Serve

Once the potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired. Cover again for another 2 minutes to let the cheese melt. Serve hot!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some Worcestershire sauce to the meat while it's cooking. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mix of beans or lentils.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep. If you plan to store it, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but be cautious of overheating, which can dry out the meat.

For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, squeezing out excess air, and it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, it's best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For quick meals, you can microwave it directly from the freezer, but plan for a longer reheating time. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your potatoes are cooking unevenly, it may be due to the size of the dices. Aim for uniform pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure they cook at the same rate. If some pieces are undercooked, you can remove fully cooked potatoes temporarily, cover the skillet, and allow remaining pieces to cook a bit longer.

Watch out for excess moisture, which can lead to a mushy texture. If the skillet appears too watery towards the end of cooking, increase the heat slightly and leave the lid off for a few minutes to evaporate some liquid. This should help achieve that perfect crispiness on the edges of the potatoes.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet recipe is designed for about four servings, making it easy to scale up or down. If you’re cooking for a larger group, simply multiply the ingredient amounts. Just make sure your skillet is large enough or consider dividing the mixture between two skillets to ensure even cooking without overcrowding.

For smaller servings, reduce the ingredient quantities proportionately. You can also use leftovers to create a filling for wraps or stuffed peppers. This flexibility allows you to customize portion sizes based on your needs without compromising on the delicious flavors of this hearty meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe! Just adjust the cooking time slightly since they may cook faster.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any leftovers like zucchini, spinach, or even corn. Just remember to adjust cooking times!

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.