Rustic Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner (Print Version)
Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet - A comforting, easy meal for busy weeknights. My simple recipe brings nostalgic flavors to your table.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 5 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Main Stars
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
03 -
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ lbs)
04 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
→ Flavor Builders
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
07 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 tsp dried thyme
09 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh Finishes
11 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
→ Optional Add-Ins
12 -
1/2 cup frozen peas or corn
13 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those potatoes peeled and diced into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. You want them pretty uniform so they cook evenly – nobody wants crunchy bits mixed with mushy ones, right? Then, chop your onion and mince that garlic. I always feel like a pro chef when I'm prepping, even if my knife skills are... evolving. This step really sets the stage for our delicious ground beef and potatoes.
02 -
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown nicely, stirring occasionally, until it's no longer pink. This is where all that delicious flavor starts to build! I've definitely rushed this step before, and the dish just wasn't as rich. Once it's browned, drain any excess fat. Honestly, that's a step I used to skip and regretted, greasy ground beef and potatoes are just not it.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's pure kitchen magic, I swear. Don't let the garlic burn – that's a bitter mistake I've made more than once. Keep things moving for perfect ground beef and potatoes.
04 -
Now, add your diced potatoes to the skillet, along with the dried thyme, smoked paprika, a good pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the potatoes are coated in all those lovely flavors. I always make sure to give it a good stir here, imagining all those spices infusing into every little potato cube. This is where our ground beef and potatoes really start to come alive.
05 -
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all up, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. You want those potatoes fork-tender! I usually peek a few times, just to make sure things aren't sticking. Sometimes I forget to cover it, and then the liquid evaporates too fast – oops! Patience is key for tender ground beef and potatoes.
06 -
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – this is your chance to make it *just* right! Stir in fresh parsley if you're using it. The whole kitchen smells incredible, and honestly, seeing that vibrant green against the rich beef and potatoes? Chef's kiss! Serve it warm and enjoy every comforting bite.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd your skillet when browning the beef; it'll steam instead of sear, and you won't get that lovely deep flavor. Work in batches if you have to!
02 -
Always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end. What tastes right to me might not be right for you, and honestly, that's the beauty of home cooking.
03 -
If your sauce isn't thickening enough, just uncover it for the last 5-10 minutes of simmering. The extra evaporation will do the trick for your ground beef and potatoes.
04 -
For an extra pop of freshness and color, a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives at the very end works wonders.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Knife
03 -
Cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
Protein: 30 g