Ground Beef Potatoes Skillet

This simple ground beef and potatoes skillet is a terrific 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. I discovered this recipe while searching for budget-friendly meals and was amazed at how these basic ingredients create such a satisfying dish.

Last week, I made this for a quick family dinner, and my husband who usually prefers more complex dishes went back for seconds. The secret? The combination of Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste creates a rich, savory foundation that elevates simple ingredients.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Beef: Any type works; choose based on your fat preference and budget
• Russet Potatoes: Their starchy quality adds body to the dish
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor; don't skip it
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that enriches the whole dish
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory sauce that tenderizes the potatoes

The magic happens when the potatoes slowly cook in the flavorful beef mixture, absorbing all the savory goodness while creating a comforting one-dish meal.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat Your Skillet

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking for the best searing results.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the hot skillet, season with salt and pepper, and arrange in an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a nice brown crust. This caramelization creates deeper flavor.

Step 3: Continue Cooking Beef

Stir the beef and break it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 2 more minutes until fully browned. If using higher-fat beef, drain excess fat at this point to prevent a greasy dish.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Incorporate diced onions into the beef and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring well to distribute the paste throughout the mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Combine with Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined and coated with the sauce. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

When the mixture begins to sizzle, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Cook gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The potatoes should become tender but not mushy.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Test the potatoes by inserting a fork or knife – it should slide in and out without resistance when they're properly cooked. If more time is needed, continue cooking in 5-minute increments.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste the dish and adjust the salt as needed. The flavors should be well-developed and balanced, with tender potatoes and savory beef.

Step 9: Reduce Sauce if Desired

If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid and cook for a few additional minutes to reduce the sauce, stirring occasionally.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, chives, or cilantro just before serving to add color and a fresh flavor contrast. Serve hot for maximum flavor.

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I learned the importance of properly dicing the potatoes after my first attempt resulted in some pieces cooking faster than others. Taking that extra minute to cut them uniformly makes all the difference in the final texture.

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

This dish exemplifies economical cooking, feeding a family of four for under $10. Ground beef is frequently on sale, and potatoes are consistently one of the most affordable vegetables. You can stretch the meal even further by increasing the potato-to-meat ratio or adding additional inexpensive vegetables like carrots. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making this perfect for meal planning on a tight budget.

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Family-Friendly Adaptations

For households with varying tastes, this recipe offers easy customization. Children who might resist certain vegetables will often enjoy this dish since the potatoes take on the savory beef flavor. Add grated cheese on top for picky eaters, or incorporate additional vegetables like peas or corn for more nutrition. The basic recipe serves as a foundation that can be adjusted to please everyone at your table.

Seasonal Vegetable Additions

This versatile skillet welcomes seasonal produce throughout the year. Summer brings opportunities for adding zucchini or bell peppers in the final ten minutes of cooking. Fall calls for roasted butternut squash alongside the potatoes. Winter versions might incorporate hearty kale or spinach stirred in just before serving. Spring welcomes tender asparagus tips or fresh peas added in the last five minutes. These simple additions keep the meal interesting year-round while making use of what's fresh and affordable at your market.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

For busy households, this recipe shines as a prepare-ahead solution. The entire dish can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated. For longer storage, cool completely and freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Chef's Essential Tips

• For extra flavor, add a bay leaf during simmering (remove before serving)
• A splash of red wine with the beef broth adds wonderful complexity
• Try using sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile
• For a complete breakfast, top leftovers with a fried egg
• If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste

I discovered these refinements over many iterations of this dish - particularly the bay leaf addition, which adds remarkable depth to the flavor profile without changing the overall character of the dish.

This versatile beef and potatoes skillet has become my reliable go-to when I need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender potatoes and savory beef creates something greater than the sum of its parts - a dish that feels like comfort food while still being wholesome and balanced.

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This ground beef and potatoes skillet recipe proves that delicious, satisfying meals don't require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients - just thoughtful preparation and quality basics that come together in harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I add vegetables to this ground beef and potatoes skillet?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, green beans, or bell peppers make great additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the potatoes, and quick-cooking vegetables like peas in the last 5 minutes.

→ What can I use instead of beef broth?

Chicken broth or vegetable broth work well as substitutes. You can also use water with a beef bouillon cube or a teaspoon of beef base.

→ How can I add more flavor to this dish?

Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, spices like paprika or cumin, or a splash of red wine. A tablespoon of soy sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard also adds great depth.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat substitutes work well. With leaner meats, you might need to add a bit more oil when browning.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave at 70% power to prevent the potatoes from becoming rubbery.