I love a delicious, home-cooked meal more than anything. But I absolutely despise the mountain of dirty pots and pans that usually comes with it. What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pan to clean!
That’s why this Mediterranean Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is my ultimate weeknight hero. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and the cleanup is a total dream. We’re talking about a complete, hearty dinner that cooks and serves from a single skillet.
If you’re searching for fast dinner recipes that don’t skimp on taste, you’ve hit the jackpot. This dish brings together savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and classic Mediterranean flavors in one easy swoop. Let’s get cooking and keep that sink empty. And if you love easy skillet meals, you should also try our Crockpot Chicken Scampi with Garlicky Lemon Butter Sauce for another delicious hands-off dinner option.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick lowdown on what we’re making today. This is your at-a-glance guide to this fantastic meal.
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
- 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 have a real soft spot for any recipe that saves me from a dishwashing marathon. This one-pot wonder is a cleanup dream come true.
Everything cooks together in a beautiful, flavorful harmony. The potatoes soak up the juices from the beef and tomatoes. You get layers of taste in every single bite, all while using just one trusty skillet. It’s the secret to a happy cook and a clean kitchen.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear and ingredients is the first simple step. You’ll be amazed at how a few basic items create something so delicious.
The star of the show is a large, oven-safe skillet. Beyond that, we’re using simple, fresh ingredients you can feel good about. This is one of the best ground beef recipes for a reason—it’s straightforward and consistently fantastic. For another fantastic ground beef option, check out our Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to make this hearty ground beef and potato casserole. Check your pantry, and let’s go!
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked meal and a surprisingly clean countertop. I’ve included my little tricks to keep the mess to a bare minimum.
- Brown the beef. In your large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. This is where all the foundational flavor starts.
- Add the aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for just one minute until it smells amazing. Try to do all your spice adding over the skillet to avoid spills on the stovetop.
- Incorporate potatoes and liquid. Add the halved potatoes, the entire can of diced tomatoes, and the broth to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. I use a wooden spatula to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer to perfection. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Wilt the spinach. Uncover the skillet and stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly in the residual heat. This adds a wonderful pop of color and nutrients.
- Serve and enjoy! Dish it up hot, topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. And that’s it—dinner is served from a single pan!
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
After making this ground beef potato casserole countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These will help you get the best results every single time.
First, use the right size pot. A 10 or 12-inch skillet is ideal. If your pan is too small, the food will steam instead of brown. If it’s too big, the sauces can reduce too quickly.
Second, resist the urge to stir too much! Let the potatoes sit and cook. This allows them to develop a nice texture and absorb all the wonderful flavors. Trust the process.
Finally, don’t skip the step of scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan when you add the liquid. That’s pure flavor gold right there, and it makes cleaning the pan easier later.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
Got leftovers? Fantastic! This dish saves and reheats like a dream, making it a great option for meal prep.
Let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave single portions until hot. You can also warm it gently in a saucepan on the stovetop with a tiny splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
Nutrition Notes
This isn’t just tasty; it’s a well-rounded meal. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you’re enjoying.
- High in Protein from the lean ground beef.
- Good Source of Fiber from the potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach.
- Packed with Vitamins A, C, and K from the fresh vegetables.
- Rich in Iron, which helps power your day.
Looking for a sweet treat to complete your meal? Our Blueberry Banana Muffins with their soft, fruity texture make the perfect dessert or next-day breakfast.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a lot of questions about this recipe. Here are answers to the most common ones to help you out.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Baby potatoes are great because you don’t have to peel them. But Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks work perfectly well. Just make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
My skillet isn’t oven-safe. What can I do?
No problem at all! This recipe is designed to be made entirely on the stovetop. Just make sure you have a tight-fitting lid for your skillet to trap the steam and cook the potatoes through. The result will be just as delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you have a couple of easy options. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other dried spices. Or, stir in a tablespoon of harissa paste for a deep, smoky heat that fits the Mediterranean theme beautifully.
So there you have it. A dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. This Mediterranean skillet is proof that you don’t need a pile of dishes to create a meal everyone will love.
It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, a lazy Sunday, or any time you want a comforting, home-cooked meal without the hassle. You get to enjoy all that incredible flavor and then simply wash one pan. That’s a win in my book.
I really hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your home like it is in mine. Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
