Hearty Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes: A One-Pan Dinner (Print Version)
Hearty Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes: Your easy, one-pan dinner solution! Enjoy comforting flavors perfect for any busy weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Main Stars
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
2 large (about 1 ½ lbs / 680g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
→ Flavor Foundations
03 -
1 large onion, chopped
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 cup (240ml) beef broth
→ Seasonings & Spices
06 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
07 -
1/2 tsp dried thyme
08 -
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
09 -
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Fresh Finishes
10 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those potatoes diced into bite-sized pieces, about half an inch. You want them pretty uniform so they cook evenly, you know? Then, chop your onion and mince that garlic. I always have a little bowl for each, makes the whole cooking process feel less chaotic. This is where I sometimes forget to pre-chop everything and then I'm scrambling mid-cook, oops! Just get it all ready, trust me.
02 -
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this!) over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spatula. You want to get a good, deep brown crust on it – that’s where all the flavor lives! Drain off any excess fat, but leave a little for sautéing the veggies. I once drained too much and things got a bit dry, so don't go overboard, hon. This step fills the kitchen with that amazing savory smell.
03 -
Now, toss in your chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just a minute more until fragrant. Don't let it burn! Burnt garlic is a sad, bitter affair, and I've been there. The smell at this stage is just incredible, honestly, it gets your taste buds ready for this hearty meal.
04 -
Stir in your diced potatoes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix, making sure those potatoes are coated in all that delicious beefy, oniony goodness. Let the potatoes cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to get a little bit of color on them. This is where you can really start to see the dish come together, that lovely color! I sometimes rush this part, but a little patience here pays off.
05 -
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – that’s called deglazing, and it’s pure flavor! Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Check on it occasionally; I've definitely let it dry out a bit before, so keep an eye on that liquid level. The steam smells so comforting!
06 -
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high for a few minutes if you want to crisp up the potatoes a bit more and reduce any remaining liquid. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley. The final result should be a beautiful, bubbling skillet of golden potatoes, and rich, savory beef. Serve it hot!
# Notes:
01 -
Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; it helps achieve a better sear.
02 -
Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge, but reheat gently on the stovetop for best texture.
03 -
Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Sweet potatoes can be a fun, slightly sweeter twist if you're out of regular potatoes.
04 -
Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh chives on top.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 -
spatula
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
measuring spoons/cups
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 500 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 35 g