Budget Ground Beef and Potatoes

This budget ground beef and potatoes is one of the easiest one-pan dinners you can make with simple, affordable ingredients. Crispy golden potatoes and savory ground beef cook together in one skillet for a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Golden pan-fried potatoes and deeply browned ground beef cook together with garlic, butter, and herbs to create rich, savory flavor in every bite. A spoonful of sour cream at the end adds a light creamy finish that brings everything together without making the dish heavy.

This is the kind of simple skillet dinner that’s perfect when you want real comfort food on a budget. If you enjoy meals like this, you may also like my Creamy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet, another cozy and affordable ground beef dinner.

If you enjoy affordable meals like this, explore more easy ground beef recipes for simple and cozy dinners.

Why This Recipe Works

• Crispy potatoes make it extra satisfying. Cooking the potatoes first gives them a golden crust and rich flavor that makes the whole dish feel hearty and complete.
• Ground beef adds deep, savory flavor. Letting the beef brown properly creates those flavorful bits in the pan that bring everything together.
• Simple ingredients, real comfort food. Onion, garlic, butter, and herbs add warmth and depth without needing anything complicated or expensive.
• Sour cream brings it all together. Stirred in at the end, it adds a light creamy finish that makes the dish feel cozy without being heavy.
• One skillet means easy cooking and cleanup. Everything cooks in the same pan, so the flavors build naturally and cleanup stays simple.

Quick Look at the Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and makes the dish hearty and satisfying. I like using 80/20 for the best balance of flavor but any ground beef works.
• Potatoes: Cooked until golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. They make this meal filling and comforting.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it softens and cooks with the beef.
• Garlic: Brings warmth and aroma that makes the whole skillet smell incredible.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors throughout the dish.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for a light creamy finish that makes everything feel extra cozy.
• Smoked paprika and thyme: Simple pantry spices that add warmth and deeper flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes

This simple skillet dinner comes together in just a few easy steps. Cooking the potatoes first gives them a beautiful golden crust, while browning the beef builds rich, savory flavor.

Cook the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into 1.5 cm cubes and pat them dry well with paper towels. This helps them develop a crispy, golden exterior.

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Brown the ground beef. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until deeply browned. Let it cook undisturbed at first so it develops rich color and flavor.

Stir in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme until evenly combined.

Add the onion and butter. Add the chopped onion and butter directly to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes lightly golden.

Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step adds depth and aroma without burning the garlic.

Combine and finish. Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet and gently stir everything together. Cook for about 2 minutes so the flavors blend.

Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until evenly coated.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Dry the potatoes well before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps them develop a golden, crispy crust instead of steaming in the pan.
• Let the ground beef brown properly. Allowing the beef to sit undisturbed for a minute or two creates deeper flavor and better texture.
• Cook the potatoes and beef separately at first. This keeps the potatoes crispy and prevents them from becoming soft too early.
• Add the garlic near the end. Garlic cooks quickly, and adding it later keeps the flavor rich without becoming bitter.
• Stir in the sour cream off the heat. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy and prevents it from separating.
• Use a large skillet. Giving the ingredients space helps everything brown properly instead of steaming.

Variations

This ground beef and potatoes skillet is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Add cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top at the end for a richer, more comforting finish.
• Add vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini cook beautifully with the beef and add extra flavor and texture.
• Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Use different protein. Ground turkey or ground chicken work well as lighter alternatives.
• Add a fried egg on top. This turns it into an especially satisfying breakfast-style skillet.
• Make it extra creamy. Add an extra spoonful of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream.

Storage and Reheating

This ground beef and potatoes skillet stores well and makes great leftovers for easy meals later.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This helps keep the potatoes slightly crisp.
• Reheat in the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
• Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Potatoes

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides that add freshness and balance.

• Simple green salad
• Cucumber salad
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Pickles or sauerkraut
• Fried or soft-boiled eggs
• Fresh bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold, russet, or red potatoes all work well. Just cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Reheating in a skillet gives the best texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives.

Why are my potatoes not crispy?
Make sure to dry the potatoes well and avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps them brown instead of steaming.

Pro Tips

• Cut the potatoes evenly. Keeping the pieces the same size helps them cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
• Dry the potatoes before cooking. This helps them brown properly instead of steaming.
• Use medium heat. This allows the potatoes to crisp slowly without burning.
• Let the beef brown undisturbed at first. This builds deeper flavor and improves the overall texture.
• Add the sour cream off the heat. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from separating.
• Use a large skillet. More space helps everything brown better and prevents overcrowding.

This budget ground beef and potatoes skillet is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something affordable, filling, and easy to make. It uses simple pantry ingredients and cooks entirely in one pan, making cleanup quick and effortless.