
This skillet meal with ground beef and potatoes is my go-to for nights when I need an easy fix. I love how savory beef pairs up with soft potatoes and sweet red peppers for real comfort in a bowl. The real kicker is adding smoked paprika, some Dijon, and a splash of hot sauce—it sends the flavor into overdrive and keeps things far from boring.
Why This Standout Dish Works
I’ve realized on crazy weeknights that even basic stuff can pull off something awesome. This is my top pick for a single-pan dinner: plenty of protein, those fluffy spuds, and colorful veggies—all cooked together. The spice combo lifts it from plain to super tasty, and it’s hot on the table in half an hour. My whole crew digs it every time.
Grocery Grab List
- Hot Sauce: Use just a drop or pour it on heavy—it’s totally up to your taste buds.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweet crunch and a nice color pop.
- Potatoes: Go with red or gold—they both work great here.
- Spice Mix: Smoked paprika, pinch of oregano, garlic powder, some salt and pepper. That’s the magic.
- Dijon Mustard: Trust me, it adds big time flavor.
- Lean Ground Beef: 90/10 keeps it juicy while cutting extra fat.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash goes a long way for depth.
Time to Cook Up Something Tasty
- Dishing It Out
- Get out the plates, maybe toss a little salad on the side, and you’re set for dinner.
- Let It All Mingle
- Slide the potatoes back in, give everything another stir, and let the flavors hang out together for a few minutes.
- Main Ingredients In
- Toss in your beef and break it up. Add chopped peppers with all your spices and cook until everything’s good to go.
- Start with Potatoes
- First, heat some oil, then brown your potato chunks till they’re golden and soft. This takes about 10 minutes.
Handy Tricks from My Kitchen
Using fresh spices totally amps up the taste. Don’t crowd the potatoes in the pan if you want that crispy edge. Tinker with hot sauce so the heat lands just right for you. Giving those potatoes a break in the pan helps them get that awesome crunch.
Using Leftovers Best
Next day, top what’s left with a fried egg for a killer breakfast. Or scramble with eggs for a power-packed morning plate. Sometimes I roll the leftovers with cheese in a tortilla and call it lunch.
Keeping Everything Yummy
Pop any leftovers in the fridge—they’ll be good for three days. Warm things up in a pan over low heat so they stay nice and soft. I skip freezing it though—thawed potatoes just never taste right.
Favorite Kitchen Gear
I swear by my Dutch oven for this meal. A hamburger chopper makes crumbling the beef easy. And a sturdy spatula that handles high heat is key for mixing it all up.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → What other potatoes can I use?
Red or russet potatoes are great options too. Try cutting them evenly for faster, even cooking.
- → How can I stop potatoes from sticking?
Add enough oil and let them sit until they get crispy before flipping or stirring.
- → Is this dish good for meal prep?
It’s meal-prep friendly! Store it in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in a pan for best texture.
- → What can I use instead of ground beef?
Substitute with ground pork or turkey. Just watch cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
- → How can I make this dish spicy?
Add hot sauce, mix in jalapeños, or sprinkle with spicy paprika to turn up the heat.