Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes
Highlighted under: Fast & Delicious
I love making this Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Potatoes when I’m short on time but still want something delicious. This one-pan meal combines tender, seasoned ground beef with crispy potatoes, creating a comforting dish that's ready in about 30 minutes. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a reliable go-to for weeknight dinners. With the savory taste of garlic and onion, it’s a dish that everyone in my family can agree on. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet!
When I first discovered this recipe, I was looking for a quick and hearty meal to please my family. The combination of ground beef and potatoes felt like a classic, yet I wanted to add my own twist with spices and fresh herbs. I found that browning the beef well and allowing the potatoes to caramelize slightly gives the dish a savory depth that's hard to resist.
I also learned that adding a splash of beef broth toward the end helps to keep the potatoes tender while allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. This is hands-down one of my favorite meals to whip up when time is tight!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup
- Flavorful and satisfying comfort food
- Quick preparation without compromising taste
Making the Most of Your Ingredients
The choice of potatoes is vital in this Easy Ground Beef Skillet recipe. While I typically use medium russet potatoes for their fluffiness, you can also experiment with Yukon golds for a buttery texture. Just ensure they are diced uniformly to promote even cooking. If you're in a pinch, frozen diced potatoes can serve as a handy alternative; just be aware they might release extra moisture, so adjust the beef broth accordingly.
Don't underestimate the role of seasonings! The combination of garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, and paprika in this dish not only enhances the flavor of the ground beef but also infuses the potatoes with a savory note. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or substituting smoked paprika for an extra dimension of flavor.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Textures
When browning the ground beef, ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a lovely sear, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat. This browning not only deepens the flavor but also creates a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender potatoes. Don't rush this step; letting the beef sit undisturbed for a minute enhances its browning.
After adding the potatoes, keep the skillet covered to trap steam, which will aid in cooking the potatoes through. Stirring occasionally is key; this helps prevent sticking and ensures they cook evenly. Aim for a tender texture that yields easily to a fork, without turning mushy—this should take around 15 minutes of covered cooking time.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious skillet meal:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure to measure everything out before you start cooking for a smoother process!
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps for a quick and easy meal:
Prepare the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
Brown the Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the Potatoes
Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Mix well to incorporate all flavors.
Cook Until Tender
Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!
Don’t forget to let the flavors mingle for a few minutes before serving!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider using different herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also add bell peppers or carrots for more vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Easy Ground Beef Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the flavors intact, consider reheating just the portions you'll eat instead of the entire skillet. When reheating, add a tablespoon of beef broth to the skillet to revive moisture and heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
If you want to freeze the meal, portion out the leftovers into freezer-safe containers after they’ve cooled. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently heat in a skillet or microwave. Be cautious of overcooking, as this can lead to dry beef and mushy potatoes.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
To elevate your Easy Ground Beef Skillet, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added richness and a kick of flavor. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad can also bring a refreshing balance to the meal. Alternatively, you could serve it over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for an extra hearty option.
Feeling adventurous? Mix things up by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for an added burst of nutrition and color. For a different protein option, ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for the beef, but remember to adjust the cooking times as they may cook faster.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option!
→ How can I make this dish spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet when cooking the beef.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook it ahead and reheat it on the stove when ready to serve.
→ What do I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Easy Ground Beef Skillet With Potatoes
I love making this Easy Ground Beef Skillet with Potatoes when I’m short on time but still want something delicious. This one-pan meal combines tender, seasoned ground beef with crispy potatoes, creating a comforting dish that's ready in about 30 minutes. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a reliable go-to for weeknight dinners. With the savory taste of garlic and onion, it’s a dish that everyone in my family can agree on. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Mix well to incorporate all flavors.
Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider using different herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also add bell peppers or carrots for more vegetables.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 24g