Seasoned Beef Potato Hash

This quick ground beef and potato skillet has become my weeknight dinner salvation when time is short but I still want something hearty and satisfying. The combination of tender potatoes, savory beef, and smoky spices creates a comforting one-pan meal that's both economical and delicious.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something fast that would please everyone at the table. It became an instant hit with my family who now requests it regularly when they smell the smoky paprika aroma filling the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil: provides the right balance for browning without burning at higher temperatures
• 1 pound potatoes: Yukon golds are ideal for their buttery texture and ability to hold shape while cooking
• 1 pound 93% lean ground beef: offers good flavor while keeping the dish less greasy than higher fat options
• 1 small yellow onion: creates an aromatic foundation that sweetens as it cooks
• 1 red bell pepper: adds color brightness and subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: introduces depth with its umami quality that enhances the beef flavor
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: brings tanginess that cuts through the richness of the dish
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: the star seasoning providing that distinctive smoky depth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: easier than fresh garlic for quick cooking and distributes flavor evenly
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: adds an herbal note that complements both meat and potatoes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: the coarser texture helps distribute seasoning more effectively
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: adds subtle heat and complexity
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce: adjustable to your heat preference while adding a vinegar tang

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat until it appears shimmery and flowing. Reduce the heat to medium then add your carefully diced potatoes. Cook for approximately 6 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Look for slight golden edges forming but the centers should remain somewhat firm as they will continue cooking. The smaller uniform dice ensures they cook quickly and evenly.

Add Protein and Vegetables:

Add the ground beef along with the diced onion and bell pepper to the partially cooked potatoes. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. This step combines the beef fat with the vegetables allowing their flavors to meld together. Keep the heat at medium to allow even cooking without burning.

Season the Mixture:

Add all seasonings at once Worcestershire sauce Dijon mustard smoked paprika garlic powder oregano salt pepper and hot sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every bite will be properly seasoned. Continue breaking up any larger chunks of meat as you stir to maintain an even texture throughout the dish. The seasonings will bloom in the hot pan enhancing their flavors.

Finish Cooking:

Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes stirring occasionally until the potatoes become fork tender and the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. The onions should be translucent and soft. Stir in green onions if using and taste to adjust seasonings adding more salt or hot sauce if needed. The dish should be moist but not soupy.

Pin it

The smoked paprika is truly the ingredient that transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I discovered its importance accidentally when I ran out of regular paprika one evening and substituted the smoked variety. The depth it added was remarkable and now I keep multiple tins of it in my spice cabinet for this recipe alone.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day in the refrigerator as the spices have time to fully infuse the ingredients. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes stirring halfway through or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed throughout.

Perfect Pairings

While this dish stands perfectly well on its own I find serving it with a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing creates a wonderfully balanced meal. The acidity from the dressing complements the rich savory flavors of the beef and potatoes. For a heartier meal serve it over steamed rice or with warm flour tortillas to create improvised burritos.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter nutritional boost. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter option just add an extra tablespoon of oil since these leaner meats release less fat. Vegetarians can substitute a plant based ground meat alternative and use mushroom based Worcestershire sauce for similar depth.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Each will provide a different flavor profile, but the cooking method remains the same. For turkey or chicken, you may want to add a little extra oil as they contain less natural fat.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, you can add more hot sauce, include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers with the bell peppers, use hot paprika instead of smoked paprika, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjusting the spice level at the end with extra hot sauce allows individual servings to be customized.

→ Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon gold?

Yes, russet potatoes can be used instead of Yukon gold, but they may break down more during cooking. Yukon golds are preferred for their buttery texture and ability to hold shape while browning. If using russets, be gentler when stirring to prevent them from becoming mushy.

→ What sides pair well with this beef and potato dish?

This one-pan meal is quite complete on its own but pairs nicely with simple sides like a green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or corn on the cob. It can also be served over rice or wrapped in tortillas for a different presentation.

→ Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can dice the potatoes, onions, and bell peppers up to a day in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. The potatoes should be submerged in cold water to prevent browning, then drained and patted dry before cooking. This prep work makes the actual cooking process much faster.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Microwaving is also an option, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly.