Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious, and hearty one-pan meal? This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s packed with savory flavors, simple ingredients, and comes together in just under 30 minutes. Whether you're a fan of comfort food or simply want something easy to make, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Keep reading to discover all the details and tips for cooking this delicious dish!

What is Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a simple, filling, and nutritious meal featuring browned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, garlic, and a few seasonings that come together in one skillet. It’s a rustic dish that’s easy to make, yet full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy families, beginners, or anyone looking for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this meal is adaptable to your needs. Best of all, it requires minimal cleanup!

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• 1 pound ground beef (choose between sirloin, chuck, or round for varying fat content and flavor)
• 1½ teaspoon salt (kosher salt is recommended for better flavor absorption)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning and a slight kick)
• 1 small onion (finely diced for aromatic sweetness)
• 3-4 garlic cloves (minced to add depth and warmth)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds umami and a rich, tomato flavor)
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for a subtle tang and savory depth)
• 1 pound russet potatoes (peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes, though red or yellow potatoes work well too)
• ½ cup beef broth (to moisten and bring all the flavors together)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish, though green onions, chives, or cilantro can also be used)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about the Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is how versatile it can be. Whether you're out of an ingredient or want to switch things up, there are plenty of options for substitutions and variations:

• Ground Beef: Swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Ground pork or lamb can also be used if you want a richer flavor.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great, but you can easily use red or yellow potatoes for a creamier texture. Sweet potatoes can be used if you want a hint of sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce for a slightly different, but still savory, flavor.
• Beef Broth: If you’re out of beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth can work just fine. You can also use water with a bouillon cube if needed.
• Herbs and Garnish: While parsley is a classic garnish, try using fresh chives, cilantro, or even dill for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step cooking process. This method is easy and perfect for all skill levels, so even if you're a beginner, you’ll have no trouble making this dish. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all done in one pan, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up for about 1 minute until it shimmers.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it browns. Season it with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned.
3. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients will add depth to the flavor and give the dish a rich, hearty taste. Let them cook for 2 minutes to blend into the meat mixture.
5. Add Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and stir everything to combine. Be sure that the potatoes are well-coated in the beef mixture.
6. Pour in Beef Broth: Pour the beef broth over the potatoes and ground beef. Stir to combine and cover the skillet with a lid. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the dish simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or your choice of herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is fairly straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the Beef: Don’t cook the beef for too long before adding the onions and garlic. Once it’s browned, move on to the next step to avoid dry or tough meat.
• Cutting Potatoes Too Big: Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform, small cubes. If they’re too large, they will take longer to cook and may end up being underdone.
• Skipping the Broth: The beef broth adds moisture and helps cook the potatoes. Skipping it may leave you with a dry dish, so make sure to include it.
• Not Covering the Skillet: Covering the skillet is essential to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. Without the lid, the liquid will evaporate too quickly, and the potatoes may not cook through properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty dish, but there are ways to elevate its presentation. Whether you're serving family or guests, a little garnish and plating can make all the difference. Here are a few ideas:

• Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives can brighten up the dish and add color.
• Serve in Cast Iron Skillet: If you’re using a cast iron skillet, serve the dish directly in the pan. The rustic look adds a homey, comforting feel to the presentation.
• Add a Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the rich, hearty flavors of the skillet.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

This dish is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the meal. If you’re feeding a crowd, this skillet dish can also be served as a filling in tacos, wraps, or even over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

• Use Colorful Garnishes: Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley over the top for a pop of color.
• Serve in Individual Bowls: For a family-style meal, portion out servings in individual bowls, garnishing each with a bit of extra herbs.
• Toppings: Consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a fried egg to make it more indulgent.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips

• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the ingredients cook evenly.
• Don’t Skimp on the Seasoning: Since this dish uses simple ingredients, seasoning is key. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
• Cook the Potatoes Evenly: Stir the potatoes occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. This dish freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet? Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Just be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking time, so they don’t overcook.

What other meats can I use instead of beef? You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as substitutes for ground beef. Keep in mind that the flavor and fat content will vary slightly.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations and substitutions, you’re sure to have a meal that satisfies. Try it out today and enjoy the convenience of a one-pan dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor!

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