One Pot Ground Beef & Potatoes

One pot dinners are a total lifesaver for busy weeknights, and they don’t get much easier (or cozier) than this ground beef and potatoes recipe! You brown the beef with simple seasonings, sauté the onions and garlic, then let the diced potatoes cook until they’re golden and tender. Everything comes back together in one skillet for a cozy, no-stress meal that tastes like something your family will ask for again and again. I’ve been making this for literally YEARS, and it’s a real classic to add to your rotation! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.

• Everything cooks in one pan. We’re talking minimal dishes, maximum ease.

• Kid-friendly, husband-approved, and great for picky eaters.

• Total comfort food without being heavy.

• Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

There’s a printable recipe card waiting for you at the bottom of this post! I recommend that you don’t skip the coming sections though, where I’m sharing more about the ingredients, process, and some extra hints and tips to guide you along the way. 

• Ground beef — hearty and protein-packed

• Potatoes, diced — cozy, filling base for the one-pot meal

• Onion, diced — adds sweetness and depth

• Garlic, minced — brings big flavor

• Paprika — warm, smoky seasoning

• Dried thyme — a subtle herby note

• Dried oregano — classic savory flavor

• Cumin — earthy and aromatic

• Salt and black pepper — essential for balancing everything

• Butter — for browning and extra richness

• Fresh parsley or green onions — bright, fresh finish

• Water or beef broth — helps the potatoes cook and adds moisture

How To Make One Pot Ground Beef & Potatoes

Storage & Reheating 

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The potatoes hold up surprisingly well and don’t get mushy.

For reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen everything up, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If it thickens in the fridge (it usually does), just add a little extra liquid as it heats. 

Recipe Notes 

The potatoes cook best when they’re cut into small, even pieces. The smaller the dice, the faster everything comes together. If you prefer them extra soft, keep the lid on during the simmering step.

You can use either water or beef broth here. Broth adds a little more flavor, but water absolutely works in a pinch since the beef and spices carry most of the seasoning.

Feel free to swap the spices based on what you have. A little smoked paprika or chili powder is great if you want a deeper, cozier flavor.

If the mixture gets too thick at any point, just splash in a little more water or broth. On the flip side, if you like things crispier, cook with the lid off at the end to let some moisture cook out.

Variations 

• Swap the protein — Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage all work great if you want to change things up.

• Add veggies — Bell peppers, peas, carrots, or spinach can all be tossed in to bulk it up and sneak in more color.

• Make it cheesy — Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack at the end for a cozy, melty finish.

• Spice it up — Add chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

• Creamy version — A splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream stirred in at the end turns it into a rich, silky skillet.

• Tex-Mex twist — Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans for a totally different vibe with the same one-pot ease.

• Breakfast-for-dinner — Top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of cheese. It should not be this good… but it is.

Print Recipe

One Pot Ground Beef & Potatoes

This one-pot ground beef and potatoes skillet is a cozy, family-friendly dinner made with everyday ingredients. Tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and plenty of aromatics cook together in one pan for an easy, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb ground beef
• 1 lb potatoes diced (peel if you prefer)
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add half the butter, then add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add the dried thyme, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set it aside.
• Add the onion to the pan and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mashed garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5–6 minutes, giving them a stir now and then, until they’re golden and starting to get tender. (Cover the pan with a lid to speed things up.) Pour in the water or broth and let everything cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully tender.
• Return the cooked beef to the skillet and let it all cook together for another 4 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
• Garnish with parsley or green onions.
• Serve hot on its own, or add a simple salad or some crusty bread on the side.

This is one of those simple but wholesome recipes that may just end up in your regular rotation for years to come! If you try it, I’d really love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback means the world to me, and it also helps me to come up with more ideas for easy dinner recipes that you’ll love.