When you’re in need of a quick, hearty, and delicious meal, few dishes can compare to the simplicity and savory taste of a ground beef and potatoes skillet. Packed with protein and carbs, this dish will not only satisfy your hunger but also provide a comforting, home-cooked meal that's perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. Keep reading to discover how to master this delicious recipe, along with some helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What is a Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
A ground beef and potatoes skillet is a one-pan dish where ground beef and diced potatoes are cooked together with a variety of seasonings and other flavorful ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and tomato paste. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It can be customized to your liking, and you can easily make substitutions depending on what you have on hand. Ground beef and potatoes create a well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Plus, the addition of herbs, spices, and broths turns these basic ingredients into a savory, hearty dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Here is a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty skillet meal:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or your favorite cooking oil): This helps to brown the beef and gives the dish a lovely flavor. You can substitute olive oil with canola oil, vegetable oil, or even butter if you prefer a richer taste.
- 1 pound Ground Beef (use sirloin, chuck, or round): The choice of ground beef will affect the overall flavor and fat content. If you're looking for a leaner dish, go for ground sirloin or round. For more flavor, chuck is a great option because of its fat content.
- 1½ teaspoon Salt (we use kosher salt): This is essential for seasoning the beef and potatoes. You can adjust the amount to taste, especially if you're using different types of salt such as table salt or sea salt.
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Ground black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and depth to the dish.
- 1 Small Onion (finely diced): Onions provide sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are most commonly used, but white or red onions can work as well.
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves (minced): Garlic brings a delicious aroma and a slight kick to the skillet. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste: This gives the dish a rich, umami flavor that complements the beef.
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, slightly tangy flavor to enhance the taste of the beef.
- 1 pound Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into roughly ½-inch cubes): Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe, but you can substitute with red or yellow potatoes if necessary. They’ll still hold up well during cooking and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup Beef Broth: Helps to deglaze the pan and infuse the potatoes with extra flavor. If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley (optional garnish): This adds a touch of freshness to the dish. You can also garnish with green onions, chives, or cilantro for a flavor boost.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about a ground beef and potatoes skillet is its versatility. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
- Ground Meat: You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor. Ground turkey or chicken will provide a leaner alternative.
- Potatoes: Instead of russet potatoes, feel free to use red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes will add a bit of sweetness to the dish and are a good source of fiber.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to make the dish more nutritious. They can be diced and cooked alongside the potatoes.
- Spices: You can spice things up by adding paprika, cumin, chili powder, or even crushed red pepper flakes. These spices will add warmth and a little kick to the recipe.
- Cheese: For an extra indulgent dish, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the skillet after it’s cooked. Let it melt before serving for a cheesy twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your ground beef and potatoes skillet:

- Prep Ingredients: Begin by peeling and dicing your potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Have all ingredients ready so you can work efficiently.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink, making sure to stir frequently. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, which will help deepen the flavor.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and stir well to coat them in the flavors of the tomato paste and onions. Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet, and let the potatoes cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Everything: Once the potatoes are cooked through, return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or your choice of garnish. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Make sure not to overcook the ground beef during the browning stage. Once it's no longer pink, remove it from the skillet to avoid drying it out.
- Undercooking the Potatoes: Potatoes need to be tender but not mushy. Make sure to cook them long enough to soften but not so much that they fall apart.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Always taste and adjust seasoning at various stages. Under-seasoning can lead to a bland dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet: Serve the skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, family-style meal. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. If you’re making it for breakfast or brunch, consider topping it with a fried egg for extra protein.
- Presentation Ideas: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a little hot sauce or ketchup on top for an extra punch of flavor. Serve it in individual bowls or on a large serving platter for a more elevated presentation.
Recipe Tips
- Cooking in Cast Iron: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it holds heat well and gives the dish a nice, crispy texture. However, any large skillet will work.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the ground beef and potatoes skillet. Store it in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 months. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving. - Can I use frozen potatoes?
While fresh potatoes are preferred, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding them to the skillet. - Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
This ground beef and potatoes skillet recipe is a simple, wholesome, and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your meal rotation. With customizable options, it’s easy to make this recipe your own, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today, and enjoy the savory, comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal in just one pan!
PrintGround Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, and garlic for a flavorful, one-pan meal. With ingredients like russet potatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, it's a satisfying, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Quick and easy, it's a family favorite that can be ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for comfort food cravings, this skillet recipe delivers delicious results every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (sirloin, chuck, or round)
- 1½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Mix in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add cubed potatoes and beef broth, bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Garnish with parsley or other fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Substitute red or yellow potatoes if desired.
- Garnish options: green onions, chives, or cilantro.
- For added depth, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
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