What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I love delicious food, but I have a deep, passionate hatred for doing dishes.
If you feel the same, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my go-to solution: a Mediterranean Ground Beef & Potato Skillet. If you’re a fan of simple skillet meals, you might also love this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet for another easy, one-pan option.
It’s the ultimate easy dinner recipe. It gives you hearty flavor and comfort without the dreaded pile of pots and pans. Let’s get cooking and keep that sink empty.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what we’re making. It’s everything you want on a busy night.
- 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 live for one-pan recipes. They are my kitchen superheroes. This method is a total game-changer for fast dinner recipes.
Everything cooks together in a single skillet. The beef browns, the potatoes get tender, and the flavors all mix in one place.
You get a complete meal with minimal effort. Best of all, you only have one dish to wash when you’re done eating. It’s a clear win.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is simple. You’ll need one large, oven-safe skillet. A 10 or 12-inch size is perfect.
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
As for ingredients, think of classic Mediterranean flavors. We’re using lemon, oregano, and tomatoes. They brighten up the rich ground beef and potatoes beautifully. For a different herb-forward take on this concept, check out this Savory Herb Ground Beef & Potato Skillet.
It’s a simple list you can grab on one quick trip to the store. Let’s check it off.
The Full Ingredient List
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a smooth cooking process. I’ve included my clean-as-you-go tips.
- Heat your olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes. Stir them occasionally so they get golden brown on most sides. Then, remove them to a plate for a moment.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon.
- Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink. This takes about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, you can drain a little off.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir for one minute until it smells amazing.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the broth. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Bring everything to a simmer. Then, gently stir the browned potatoes back into the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should become perfectly tender.
- Remove the lid. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like.
- Take the skillet off the heat. Top your creation with the crumbled feta and chopped parsley. It’s ready to serve right from the pan!
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few small tricks make a big difference. They improve your results and keep cleanup simple.
First, dice your potatoes evenly. This makes sure they all cook at the same rate. No one wants a mix of mushy and crunchy potatoes.
Don’t skip browning the potatoes first. That golden crust adds so much flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
Use a wooden or silicone spoon to scrape the pan. It’s gentle on the surface and gets all the good flavor up.
Finally, let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking. It lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This dish makes fantastic leftovers. It’s one of my favorite ground beef and potato recipes for meal prep.
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. Use the microwave for a quick lunch. For dinner, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth.
The potatoes might soak up some liquid. The extra broth brings back the perfect saucy texture.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty and balanced meal. Here’s a basic look at what you’re getting per serving.
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
Using lean ground beef helps manage the fat content. You can also add a side salad for more veggies.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions about this beef potato casserole. Here are the answers to help you out.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely. Russet potatoes work well, but they can get softer faster. Red potatoes hold their shape nicely. Just keep your dice size the same.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! After browning the potatoes, just finish the entire recipe on the stovetop. Keep the heat at a low simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
Make sure the lid fits well. This traps the steam to cook the potatoes through.
How can I add more vegetables?
This recipe is very flexible. I often add a diced bell pepper with the onion. A handful of spinach stirred in at the end is also great.
Zucchini or sliced mushrooms are other good choices. It’s an easy way to boost the nutrition.
And there you have it. One of the best ground beef recipes for people who hate cleanup. It’s packed with flavor and leaves you with a clean kitchen.
This Mediterranean skillet is a weekly star in my home. I hope it becomes a favorite in yours, too. It proves that easy dinner recipes don’t have to be boring. If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, this Southwest Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is another fantastic one-pan meal to try.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!