Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Comfort arrives with ground beef and potatoes, a classic combination that whispers home-cooked memories.

My grandmother’s kitchen always hummed with warmth when she prepared this hearty meal.

Rustic ingredients mingle beautifully in a skillet, creating layers of rich flavor.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises to fill hungry bellies with pure contentment.

Simple pantry staples come together in a dance of deliciousness that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Crispy potato edges and perfectly seasoned meat guarantee a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef And Potatoes That Make Weeknight Dinner Easy

• Quickly Satisfy Hunger: This one-skillet meal tackles hunger in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults love the hearty combination of ground beef and potatoes, with customizable spice levels to suit every taste bud.
• Simple Cooking Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly, requiring just basic kitchen skills and one pan for easy cleanup.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Packed with protein from ground beef and filling potatoes, this dish provides a nutritious and satisfying meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Components

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat base for the main dish, choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and rich umami flavor to the beef.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders with natural sweetness and aroma, fresh ingredients recommended.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential base seasonings for balanced taste.
• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend for complex and warm flavor profile.

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides substance and absorbs flavors, choose waxy or all-purpose potatoes for best results.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and additional meat flavor for cooking potatoes.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing and preventing sticking.

• Cheese: Adds creamy richness if desired, can customize with preferred melting cheese.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish for color and fresh herb note.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat as it sizzles.

Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Move the beef to one side of the skillet.

Add a splash more olive oil and introduce the diced onions and garlic.

Sauté until they release their mouth-watering fragrance, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mixture

Combine the cooked beef and aromatics with diced potatoes.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 4: Create a Flavor Bath

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally.

Cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Reduce and Concentrate

Remove the lid and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.

This helps evaporate any remaining liquid, intensifying the dish’s rich flavors.

Step 6: Optional Cheesy Finish

If you’re craving extra indulgence, sprinkle cheese over the top.

Cover the pan for 1-2 minutes to create a melty, gooey layer of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve the skillet piping hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Ground Beef Potato Pairing Tips

• Always remove extra grease from ground beef to reduce unnecessary calories and prevent a greasy dish.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and seasonings based on personal heat preference, allowing customization for different taste buds.
• Experiment with various cheese types like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and richness.
• Make this dish ahead of time and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.

Beef and Potatoes That Store Hearty and Warm Up Well

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of beef broth to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of beef broth to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
• Store in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Rich Matches For Beef & Potatoes

• Enhance Ground Beef and Potatoes with These Pairings
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light, zesty green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty meat and potato dish.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef and spices.
• Fresh Crusty Bread Partner: Serve warm, crusty artisan bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and add textural contrast to the meal.
• Cool Refreshing Slaw Side: Prepare a creamy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to provide a crisp, cool counterpoint to the warm, spiced beef and potatoes.

Ground Beef & Potato Variants

• Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version. Season similarly and follow the same cooking method for a protein-packed meal.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrates. These alternatives roast beautifully and absorb the same rich seasonings.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese. Incorporate chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Use ground lamb instead of beef, replace smoked paprika with oregano, and add crumbled feta cheese. Introduce diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting them. If you want more kick, add extra red pepper flakes.

• Do I need any special skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This is a beginner-friendly one-skillet meal that requires basic chopping and cooking skills. Anyone can make this delicious dish with minimal cooking experience.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini during the cooking process. These will boost the nutritional value and add more flavor to the dish.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Savory layers of seasoned meat and creamy potato slices promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the ground beef.
2. Introduce the ground beef into the hot skillet, methodically breaking it apart while cooking until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown color. Drain any accumulated fat for optimal texture.
3. Relocate the browned beef to one side of the skillet, then incorporate remaining olive oil to sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they release their aromatic essence.
4. Integrate diced potatoes and the ensemble of seasonings – salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes – thoroughly mixing to ensure even distribution of flavors.
5. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, creating a savory liquid base. Cover and allow the mixture to gently simmer, occasionally stirring, until potatoes become fork-tender and absorb the rich liquid.
6. Uncover the skillet and continue cooking briefly to evaporate any remaining moisture, concentrating the dish’s flavors and creating a slightly crisp texture.
7. For cheese enthusiasts, sprinkle selected cheese over the top and briefly cover, permitting it to melt into a luxurious, creamy layer.
8. Finish by adorning with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overly soft.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutritional value and create a more complex flavor profile without compromising the dish’s simplicity.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to elevate the overall taste and introduce subtle variations to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg