I love cooking a delicious, hearty breakfast. But I absolutely despise the mountain of dirty pots, pans, and bowls that usually follows. If you’re like me, the joy of a home-cooked meal is often overshadowed by the dread of cleanup.
That’s why this Savory Ground Beef & Potato Breakfast Skillet is my ultimate kitchen hero. It delivers incredible, satisfying flavor from a single pan. We’re talking about a complete meal with protein, potatoes, and veggies, all cooked together in one beautiful, easy-to-clean vessel. If you’re a fan of easy one-pot meals, you’ll also adore our Crockpot Pierogi Casserole for a comforting dinner option.
Imagine the sizzle of beef, the softness of potatoes, and the aroma of onions and garlic filling your kitchen. Now imagine enjoying all of that with only one dish to wash. It’s the cozy, comforting breakfast of your dreams, without the nightmare cleanup.
Recipe Overview
Let’s get a quick look at what we’re making. This is your at-a-glance guide to this simple, satisfying dish.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, or Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I have a serious love affair with one-pan recipes. They are the ultimate solution for anyone who wants to eat well but live life.
All the ingredients cook together, allowing the flavors to meld and mingle perfectly. You get layers of taste in every single bite, with a fraction of the effort and mess. It’s efficient cooking at its very best.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to one-pan success. You’ll be amazed at how simple the shopping list is.
The key players are humble, pantry-friendly staples. Ground beef, potatoes, and a few aromatic vegetables create a deeply satisfying foundation. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to make this cozy skillet. I promise, it’s all straightforward and easy to find.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes (or 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
Follow these simple steps for a flawless, minimal-cleanup meal. I’ve included my best tips for keeping the process as clean as the result. For another effortless meal that practically cooks itself, check out our Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Taco Soup – it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Savory Ground Beef & Potato Breakfast Skillet Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Savory Ground Beef & Potato Breakfast Skillet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink.
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the empty space. This lets them sauté in the rendered beef fat, adding incredible flavor and saving you from using another pan.
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for just one minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Add the frozen (or fresh) diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together so the potatoes are coated in all those wonderful spices and juices.
- Press the mixture down into an even layer. Let it cook without stirring for about 5-7 minutes, until the bottom gets a delicious crispy crust. Then, stir and repeat once or twice until the potatoes are tender.
- Using your spoon, create four small wells in the beef and potato mixture. Carefully crack an egg into each well. This method keeps the eggs contained and cooking evenly right on top of your hash.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire skillet. If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and set the egg whites. Otherwise, just cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re using them. Then, serve it right from the skillet at the table for maximum cozy vibes and minimal dishes.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few simple tricks can elevate your one-pan game from good to great. These are the little things I’ve learned from making this dish again and again.
First, use the right size skillet. A 10 or 12-inch oven-safe skillet is ideal. It gives everything enough room to cook evenly without steaming. A crowded pan is the enemy of crispy potatoes.
Don’t stir too often! Letting the potatoes sit and develop a crust is key for texture. Patience here gives you a wonderful contrast between the soft interior and crispy exterior.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, which means less cooking later! The flavors meld even more overnight.
Let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For a crisper texture, reheat it in a small skillet on the stovetop.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, balanced meal that will keep you full and energized. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 25g
If you’re looking for a lighter, fun treat to balance out this hearty meal, try making our Frozen Yogurt Bites – they’re a cool, creamy snack everyone loves!
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions about this recipe, so I’ve answered them here for you.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns work perfectly for convenience. You can also use fresh russet, Yukon Gold, or even red potatoes. Just be sure to dice them into small, uniform pieces so they cook through at the same rate as the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem at all! After adding the eggs and cheese, simply place a tight-fitting lid on your skillet. Let it cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes. The steam will melt the cheese and cook the egg whites through. It’s a brilliant stovetop hack that works like a charm.
Can I add other vegetables?
Please do! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or chopped zucchini would be delicious additions. Just sauté any extra veggies with the onions and peppers to ensure they cook properly.
And there you have it! A complete, cozy, and utterly delicious meal that proves you don’t need a sink full of dishes to eat like a king. This skillet is the answer to busy mornings, lazy weekends, and every “what’s for dinner?” crisis in between.
It’s the kind of simple, hearty food that brings everyone to the table. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home, saving you time and keeping your kitchen clean.
Enjoy all that incredible flavor (and your spotless kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
