Looking for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner idea? This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and takes minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe is a fantastic option that’s sure to satisfy. It’s perfect for those who love simple comfort food that’s both affordable and versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet dish is the perfect blend of savory beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices. Here’s why it’s great:

Quick and Easy: Takes under 40 minutes from start to finish.
Minimal Clean-up: It’s all made in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash!
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Comfort Food: The combination of ground beef and potatoes is a classic that everyone loves.

Let’s dive into the details and start cooking this delightful meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps cook the beef and potatoes, providing a nice base for browning and flavor.
1 pound ground beef: Use sirloin, chuck, or round depending on your preference. Sirloin gives a leaner option, while chuck is a bit juicier.
1½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and potatoes.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
1 small onion (finely diced): Provides sweetness and depth to the dish.
3-4 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a fragrant, robust flavor that complements the beef.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: A concentrated, slightly tangy base that deepens the overall flavor.
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This umami-packed sauce adds complexity and richness.
1 pound russet potato (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes): Russet potatoes hold up well in a skillet, but you can substitute with red or yellow potatoes.
½ cup beef broth: Helps the potatoes cook evenly and adds moisture to the dish.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish): A fresh touch at the end; green onions, chives, or cilantro also work well.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large, deep skillet or sauté pan
Cooking spoon or spatula
Sharp knife for chopping
Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the ground beef. Sprinkle with 1½ teaspoons of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to combine the seasonings with the beef. Let the beef cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. This helps it develop a nice, flavorful sear.

2. Break and Stir the Meat

After 3 minutes, stir the beef and begin breaking it up into smaller pieces with your cooking spoon. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes or until the meat is browned all over. Browning the beef properly adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.

3. Add Onions and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, toss in the finely diced onions. Stir everything together and let the onions cook with the beef for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic and tomato paste to release their flavors into the beef mixture.

4. Incorporate Potatoes and Broth

Now, it’s time to add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir the potatoes in with the beef, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Pour in ½ cup of beef broth and ½ tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together once more, making sure the liquid reaches the bottom of the skillet.

5. Simmer and Cook

When the skillet begins to sizzle, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can check the potatoes by sliding a fork or knife into them—it should go in without any resistance.

6. Final Taste and Adjust

After the potatoes are tender, taste the beef and potatoes to see if additional salt is needed. Typically, an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt can enhance the flavor at this stage, but it’s up to your taste preferences.

7. Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle the finished dish with chopped parsley or another garnish like green onions or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Ground Beef Perfectly

Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the pan is too full, the beef will steam instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
Avoid stirring too often: Allow the beef to sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice crust.
Drain excess fat: If your ground beef releases too much grease, carefully drain it from the pan to avoid a greasy dish.

Customizations and Add-Ins

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make it your own by adding or substituting ingredients:

Add vegetables: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Switch up the potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon gold, or red potatoes make great alternatives.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or paprika for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve this skillet alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables. You can also pair it with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any remaining juices from the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the skillet over medium heat on the stove or microwave individual portions. If the dish seems a bit dry when reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water.

FAQs

Can I use different types of ground meat? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used in place of beef. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the beef enough: Proper browning adds a ton of flavor to the dish, so don’t rush this step.
Overcooking the potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes to avoid them becoming mushy.
Forgetting to stir occasionally: While the dish cooks, stirring occasionally helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more quick and comforting meal ideas!