What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I love eating delicious food, but my least favorite part is always the mountain of dishes afterward. That’s why I’m obsessed with skillet dinners that do it all. If you’re looking for more inspiration, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is another fantastic weeknight winner.
This Mediterranean Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is my new weeknight hero. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and the cleanup is a total dream. You get tender potatoes, savory beef, and bright Mediterranean flavors, all from a single pan. Let’s dig into this easy dinner recipe that will save your evening.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re making. It’s as straightforward as it gets.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Category: Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I need to sing the praises of one-pan cooking for a second. It’s not just about fewer dishes, though that’s a huge win. It’s about how the flavors build right in that same skillet.
The beef juices mingle with the onions and garlic. Then, the potatoes soak up all that savory goodness. Everything cooks together, creating a sauce and a meal in one go. You get maximum taste with minimal effort and mess. It’s the best kind of kitchen magic.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is simple. You’ll need one large, oven-safe skillet. A cast iron or a sturdy stainless steel pan works perfectly.
Mediterranean Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The ingredients are simple, too. We’re using common items you might already have. The Mediterranean twist comes from oregano, lemon, and feta cheese. These bright flavors make this ground beef and potato casserole something special. For a heartier breakfast version, you have to try this Savory Ground Beef & Potato Breakfast Skillet.
The Full Ingredient List
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 ½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- For serving: Crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a flawless, easy cleanup. I’ve included my little tricks to keep things tidy as you cook.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes. Season them well with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring only occasionally. You want them to get a golden-brown crust on most sides. Transfer them to a clean plate for now.
- In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Now add the garlic and cook for just one more minute until it smells amazing.
- Push the veggies to the side. Add the ground beef to the center of the pan. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. This is where all the flavor starts to build in the pan.
- Sprinkle the cooked beef and veggies with the oregano and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Stir it all together, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Gently nestle the browned potatoes back into the skillet, mixing them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the potatoes are perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice all over the top. Give it one final stir. Now, crumble that salty feta cheese and sprinkle on some fresh parsley. Dinner is served, right from the pan!
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
I’ve made this beef potato casserole many times. These small tips make a big difference in your results.
First, use the right size pan. A 12-inch skillet is ideal. It gives everything room to brown instead of steam. Don’t stir the potatoes too much. Let them sit to develop that crispy edge.
Dice your potatoes evenly. This makes sure they all cook at the same rate. Finally, let the dish rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it even better.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This meal is fantastic for leftovers. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 4 days.
Reheating is simple. You can microwave single portions for a quick lunch. For the best texture, reheat it in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. It tastes just as good the next day.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, balanced meal all on its own. Here’s a general look at what’s in a serving.
- High in protein from the lean ground beef.
- Good source of fiber from the potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Vitamin C from the bell pepper and lemon juice.
- Using lean beef and draining any excess fat can help manage the fat content.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most about this recipe.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely. Russet potatoes will work, but they might break down a bit more. Yukon Golds are my favorite for their creamy texture that holds its shape. Red potatoes are another great option here.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem at all! This entire recipe is done on the stovetop. Just make sure your skillet has a lid or you can cover it with foil when you simmer the potatoes in the sauce. The “oven-safe” note is just a bonus if you wanted to melt the cheese under a broiler.
How can I make this recipe with less fat?
You can use a very lean ground beef (93/7 or 96/4). Also, you can use just 1 tablespoon of oil to brown the potatoes, and use a non-stick spray for cooking the onions and beef. The dish will still be full of flavor.
I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation like it is in mine. It proves that fast dinner recipes don’t have to be boring or create a sink full of pots. You get a complete, comforting meal with just a few simple steps.
The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and that bright lemon and feta is just so good. It’s a ground beef recipe that feels special but is truly easy. If you love the classic combination of garlic and onions, you’ll adore this Ground Beef & Potato Skillet with Garlic & Onions. Now you can enjoy a fantastic dinner and your free time afterward.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
