Name: Southern Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean if preferred); 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch cubes); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup carrots, diced; ¾ cup peas (frozen is fine); ¾ cup corn (frozen is fine); 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 1½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried thyme (optional); 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1¼ cups beef broth (or water + a pinch more seasoning); 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)

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There’s something timeless about a warm bowl of ground beef and potatoes, the kind of comforting, hearty meal that feels right at home on a Southern lunch table. This dish is cozy, filling, and made with simple ingredients: tender potatoes, savory seasoned hamburger, and colorful veggies all simmered together into a rich, spoonable skillet meal.

If you’re looking for food for family, healthy warm dinners, or easy mince meals that don’t require fancy steps, this one checks every box.

Why This Ground Beef and Potato Meal Works

One-pan comfort: everything cooks together for big flavor with minimal cleanup
Hearty + satisfying: potatoes make it feel like a full meal
Family-friendly: mild, cozy flavors and lots of texture
Flexible: swap veggies, adjust spices, or lighten it up easily

It’s the kind of hamburger meal you can serve for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

What You’ll Need (Potato Meal + Minced Beef)

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean if preferred)
3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch cubes)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Veggies (like the photo)

¾ cup carrots, diced
¾ cup peas (frozen is fine)
¾ cup corn (frozen is fine)

Seasoning + Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1½ tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme (optional, but cozy)
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp tomato paste
1¼ cups beef broth (or water + a pinch more seasoning)

Finish

2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)

How to Make This Southern Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Brown the beef
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small bits (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté onion + garlic
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
Cook the potatoes
Add diced potatoes, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well so the potatoes get coated.
Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste, then pour in broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all the flavor.
Simmer until tender
Cover and simmer on medium-low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
Add veggies
Stir in carrots, peas, and corn. Cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and glossy.
Finish + serve
Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Prep: ~15 minutes

Cook: ~30 minutes

Total: ~45 minutes

Serves: 4–5

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

Dice potatoes and carrots ahead and keep them submerged in water in the fridge (up to 24 hours).
Cook the beef mixture a day early, then reheat and add potatoes + broth to finish fresh.
For meal prep, portion into containers and cool completely before storing.

Storing and Reheating

Fridge: 3–4 days in airtight containers
Freezer: up to 2 months (potatoes soften a bit, but still tasty)

Reheat:

Skillet: medium-low with a splash of broth/water until hot
Microwave: cover loosely, heat in 60-second bursts, stir between rounds

What to Serve With This Hamburger Meal

Keep it simple and Southern-inspired:

A crisp green salad with vinegar dressing
Steamed green beans or sautéed greens
Warm rolls or cornbread-style bread (if you like)
Pickles or a tangy side to cut the richness

Variations and Swaps (Easy Potato Food Ideas)

Healthier: use lean ground beef or ground turkey
Spicy: add ¼ tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes
Extra saucy: add an extra ½ cup broth and simmer 5 minutes longer
More veggies: stir in chopped bell peppers with the onion
No tomato paste: use ½ cup crushed tomatoes and simmer a little longer

Pro Tips for Best Results

Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same speed.
Simmer covered first (tender potatoes), then uncover at the end (thicker sauce).
Don’t rush the browning step, those golden beef bits add depth.

FAQ

Can I use frozen diced potatoes?

Yes, reduce simmer time slightly and watch the texture.

What type of potatoes are best?

Yukon gold hold their shape nicely, but russets work too (they’ll be softer).

Is this good for lunch meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and stays filling without feeling heavy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re collecting Southern lunch ideas or want a comforting recipe for ground beef that’s easy, hearty, and family-friendly, this ground beef and potato skillet is a keeper. It’s warm, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients, exactly the kind of “back-pocket” dinner that makes mealtime feel simple again.

Southern Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 45
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A cozy and hearty one-pan meal featuring ground beef and tender potatoes, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small bits (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
Add diced potatoes, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well so the potatoes get coated.
Stir in tomato paste, then pour in broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all the flavor.
Cover and simmer on medium-low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
Stir in carrots, peas, and corn. Cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and glossy.
Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.