I was cleaning out my freezer last month when I found a package of ground beef that needed using, and my potato bin was overflowing.
Instead of making my usual spaghetti, I decided to throw everything into my trusty cast iron skillet with some onions I’d been meaning to caramelize.
What emerged was this incredible one-pan wonder that’s become my new favorite weeknight solution.
The first time I made this Ground Beef & Potato Skillet with Caramelized Onions, my husband wandered into the kitchen asking what smelled so amazing. When I told him it was just ground beef and potatoes, he looked skeptical until he tasted it. The way the potatoes soak up the beef juices while the onions melt into this sweet, savory backdrop? Absolute magic. If you’re looking for another quick dinner idea, you should try our easy Rotel taco soup recipe that’s perfect for busy nights.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
What You’ll Need
When I first started making skillet dinners, I learned the hard way that not all potatoes cook at the same rate. Through trial and error (and a few undercooked potato incidents), I discovered that Yukon Golds give you that perfect balance of creamy interior and golden exterior without falling apart. If your grocery store has them in the bulk bin, that’s usually where I find the best quality for the price.
You’ll need a good skillet that can go from stovetop to oven, a sharp knife for even potato slices, and a wooden spatula that won’t scratch your pan. The ground beef plays the starring role here, while potatoes provide the hearty base and onions add that sweet depth that makes this dish special.
INGREDIENTS
I have this funny habit of lining up all my ingredients like little soldiers before I start cooking. Last week, my cat decided my beautifully arranged potato slices were his new toys and batted three of them under the refrigerator. We now have a strict “no cats on the counter during prep time” policy in my kitchen.
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 works perfectly)
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
The first time I made this for my in-laws, I was so nervous about getting the potatoes cooked through that I kept opening the oven to check. What I learned? Every peek drops the temperature significantly. Now I set a timer and trust the process – those uninterrupted cooking minutes are what create that perfect crispy potato edges and tender interior. If you’re looking for another great recipe that makes the most of minimal ingredients, check out our small batch banana muffins that use just one banana.
Ground Beef & Potato Skillet with Caramelized Onions Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef & Potato Skillet with Caramelized Onions Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prep the ingredients.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply golden and caramelized. Transfer to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the potato slices to the skillet, arranging them in an even layer over the beef mixture. Scatter the caramelized onions on top.
- Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and bake for 25 minutes. Remove covering and bake 10 more minutes until potatoes are tender and slightly crispy on edges.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving garnished with fresh parsley if using.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Making This Your Own
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. My daughter prefers when I add a cup of frozen peas during the last five minutes of baking, while my husband likes when I sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top before the final uncovered bake. I’ve even made a version with sweet potatoes when that’s what I had on hand – though they cook faster, so adjust your timing accordingly.
If you’re feeding a crowd, this dish doubles beautifully in a large roasting pan. Just extend the covered baking time by about 10 minutes and check that the potatoes are fork-tender before serving. The leftovers (if you have any!) reheat wonderfully in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain that crispy texture.
Why This Works So Well
The beauty of this ground beef and potato combination is how the ingredients complement each other. The potatoes act like little sponges, soaking up all the savory juices from the beef while their edges get delightfully crisp in the oven. Meanwhile, the caramelized onions provide this sweet counterpoint that cuts through the richness. If you enjoy bold, garlicky flavors, you’ll love our Dijon shrimp scampi with rich garlic butter sauce for your next seafood night.
From a practical standpoint, everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been grateful for that on busy weeknights. The ingredients are pantry staples for most households, and the technique is straightforward enough that even beginner cooks can achieve great results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Russets will give you a fluffier texture, while red potatoes hold their shape well. Just adjust slicing thickness – Russets should be slightly thicker, red potatoes can be thinner.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries – simply transfer everything to a baking dish before the oven step. The results will be similar, though you might lose some of those crispy bits from the skillet.
How long do leftovers keep?
This dish stores beautifully for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain texture rather than microwave.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef & Potato Skillet with Caramelized Onions has earned its place in my regular dinner rotation because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make, give this recipe a try – I think it might become your new favorite too. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
