When I first made this ground beef and potatoes skillet, I knew it was a keeper. It’s one of those simple, satisfying meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I love how the humble ingredients come together to create something so flavorful and comforting.
This dish has quickly become my go-to for busy weeknights when I need a reliable and delicious dinner on the table without much fuss.If you enjoy hearty meals, you might also like the Steak Au Poivre Recipe for a rich, flavorful twist. It’s proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to make something truly wonderful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple pantry staples to create a rich and savory meal.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil – I prefer olive oil for its flavor, but any neutral cooking oil you have on hand will work perfectly.
- 1 pound Ground Beef – Ground sirloin or chuck (80-85% lean) offers a great balance of flavor and fat.
- 1 ½ teaspoon Salt – Kosher salt is best as it dissolves well and seasons evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground pepper provides a more pungent and complex flavor than pre-ground.
- 1 Small Onion – A finely diced yellow or white onion adds a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves – Use fresh, minced garlic for the most potent and delicious flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste – This adds a concentrated, savory tomato flavor and a touch of color.
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce – A key ingredient for adding a deep, umami-rich flavor that enhances the beef.
- 1 pound Russet Potatoes – Peeled and cubed, these starchy potatoes break down slightly to thicken the sauce.
- ½ cup Beef Broth – This creates the sauce base and infuses the entire dish with a rich, beefy taste.
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley – Fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh, clean finish.
Note: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Easy Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this skillet meal is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or what you have available.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little heat. You could also stir in a diced jalapeño with the onions.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach (added at the end) would be great additions.
- Make it Cheesy: For an extra layer of comfort, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking and cover the skillet until it’s melted.
- Change the Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative, similar to the Best Chicken Burgers Recipe that transforms simple chicken into a satisfying meal.
Cooking Time
This is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this straightforward recipe.
- Large Skillet: A deep, 12-inch skillet or sauté pan is ideal for cooking everything without crowding.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and cubing the potatoes.
- Cooking Spoon or Spatula: A sturdy spoon is necessary for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the ingredients.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This one-pan meal is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week. The process is straightforward, building layers of flavor as you go.
Brown the Beef
First, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Break the meat apart with your spoon and let it cook for about 3 minutes to develop a nice brown crust.
Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring to ensure it browns evenly. If you are using ground beef with a higher fat content, you may want to drain off some of the excess grease at this stage. Simply tilt the pan and spoon it out carefully.
Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
Now, add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened slightly in color.
Simmer Everything Together
Finally, add the cubed potatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
Let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender enough that a fork can easily pierce them.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Over time, I’ve found a few little tricks that take this simple dish from good to great.
- I always recommend browning the beef properly without moving it too much at first. This creates a delicious crust on the meat, which adds a ton of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise.
- Don’t be shy with the aromatics. I sometimes add a little extra onion or garlic because I feel it really deepens the savory base of the dish.
- When the potatoes are almost done, I like to uncover the skillet for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, richer sauce that coats the beef and potatoes beautifully.
- Let the finished dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic, comforting meal, serve it with a slice of thick Texas toast or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It also goes wonderfully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to add a fresh, crisp contrast. For a final touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions to add a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this dish.
- Calories: 432 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 26g
Make Ahead and Storage
This is a great recipe for meal prepping or saving for later.
To store, let the skillet cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for leftovers.
You can also freeze this dish for longer-term storage. Place the cooled mixture into a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen dish in the refrigerator overnight. You can warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot, or simply reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this simple skillet meal is sure to become a favorite in your home.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a total time of under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a satisfying dinner on the table quickly.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash. It’s a simple, no-fuss cooking process from start to finish.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This dish uses common, affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, making it a great option for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Customizable and Versatile: You can easily add your favorite vegetables, spices, or a cheesy topping to make this recipe your own. It’s a flexible base that invites creativity.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Break the meat apart with your spoon and let it cook for about 3 minutes to develop a nice brown crust.
- Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring to ensure it browns evenly. If you are using ground beef with a higher fat content, you may want to drain off some of the excess grease at this stage. Simply tilt the pan and spoon it out carefully.
- Next, add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
- Now, add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened slightly in color.
- Finally, add the cubed potatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
Notes
- I always recommend browning the beef properly without moving it too much at first. This creates a delicious crust on the meat, which adds a ton of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise.
- Don’t be shy with the aromatics. I sometimes add a little extra onion or garlic because I feel it really deepens the savory base of the dish.
- When the potatoes are almost done, I like to uncover the skillet for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, richer sauce that coats the beef and potatoes beautifully.
- Let the finished dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
