Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish makes cooking easy and enjoyable. The combination of tender potatoes and savory ground beef creates a comforting meal that suits any occasion—from family dinners to casual gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs or spices!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This skillet meal takes only about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
• Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, this recipe is easy on the wallet.
• Flavor Packed: Despite being simple, the layering of flavors from onions, garlic, and spices ensures a delicious taste in every bite.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding vegetables or changing spices according to your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cooking spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly while providing enough space for everything to cook together.
• Cooking spoon or spatula: Helps in breaking up the ground beef and stirring ingredients without damaging the pan.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

This simple ground beef and potatoes skillet is a great way to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight. In this recipe ground beef is cooked with diced potatoes and flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. The ingredients are kept to a minimum, but it’s still packed with flavor.

For the Skillet

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
• 1 pound Ground Beef (use sirloin, chuck, or round)
• 1½ teaspoon Salt (we use kosher salt)
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 Small Onion (finely diced)
• 3-4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 pound Russet Potato (peeled and cut into roughly ½ inch cubes; red or yellow potatoes can be substituted if necessary)
• ½ cup Beef Broth
• 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional; green onions, chives, and cilantro will also make good garnish options)

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet along with salt and black pepper.
Stir well to combine then arrange the meat in one layer.
Cook for 3 minutes without disturbing.

Step 3: Add Onions

Stir the beef again.
Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until browned while breaking up large pieces with a cooking spoon.

Step 4: Mix in Garlic and Tomato Paste

Add diced onions to the skillet.
Stir well to combine and cook for about 3 minutes while stirring often.
Next, add minced garlic and tomato paste.
Stir everything together well for another minute or two.

Step 5: Combine Potatoes and Broth

Add cubed potatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture in the skillet.
Stir well until combined. When you hear sizzling sounds from the mixture, cover the pan.

Step 6: Cook Until Tender

Lower heat to medium-low.
Cook gently for about 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Check occasionally by stirring to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Taste Test

Taste your dish before serving.
Add additional salt if needed based on your preference.

Enjoy this hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet that brings comfort food right to your table!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Serving ground beef and potatoes skillet is easy and versatile. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of sides that enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers can balance the richness of the skillet.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds a nice contrast to the savory beef and potatoes.

With Bread

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any juices from the skillet while adding a delicious garlic flavor.
• Crusty Baguette: A simple yet effective option for adding texture to your meal.

With Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers a creamy tang that complements the dish well.
• Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color on top of your skillet meal.

With Extras

• Pickles: A side of pickles adds a tangy crunch that contrasts nicely with the hearty ingredients.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, drizzle some hot sauce over your serving for an extra kick.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

To elevate your ground beef and potatoes skillet, consider these helpful tips. They can make your dish even more delicious and satisfying.

• Use Quality Meat: Choosing fresh ground beef enhances flavor and texture in your skillet.
• Pre-soak Potatoes: Soaking diced potatoes in water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, leading to better texture when cooked.
• Control Heat: Start cooking on medium-high heat to brown the meat but lower it when simmering to ensure even cooking without burning.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices like paprika or chili powder for a unique twist on flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or peas towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Let It Rest: Allowing your skillet to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Pairing side dishes with ground beef and potatoes skillet can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Adds nutrients and a pop of color, balancing out the richness of the main dish.
2. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a lovely contrast in flavor while being simple to prepare.
3. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch, complementing the hearty skillet perfectly.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is an excellent summer side that pairs beautifully with this dish’s flavors.
5. Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb alternative that still delivers creaminess without overpowering the main dish.
6. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans add sweetness and depth, making them an ideal pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking a Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet can be simple, but there are some common mistakes people make. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect Meat Cooking Time: Cooking the ground beef too long can dry it out. Aim for a nice brown color without overcooking.
• Ignoring Potato Size: Cutting potatoes into uneven sizes leads to inconsistent cooking. Always cut them into similar-sized cubes for even tenderness.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much meat or potatoes at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that lovely sear.
• Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season your dish adequately can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Not Stirring Enough: Neglecting to stir occasionally may cause the ingredients to stick or burn. Stir regularly, especially as the potatoes cook.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet, along with their answers.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.

How do I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for some heat.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or frozen peas work well and add nutrition.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes should be tender enough that a fork slides easily through them without resistance.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is not only quick and easy but also highly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite spices or vegetables. Give it a try; your family will love this hearty meal!