There’s something so comforting about a hearty dish of ground beef and potatoes, especially when the weather turns chilly. This simple meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a filling dinner that the whole family will love. Whether it’s a long day at work or a school night, this recipe provides a cozy solution that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep for busy evenings.
- One-pan cooking makes cleanup a breeze.
- Hearty and filling, perfect for hungry families.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite seasonings or veggies.
- Budget-friendly, helping you stretch your grocery dollar.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (about 2 lbs or 900 g)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried thyme
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, making sure they get coated in the beef mixture.
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Season: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix everything well to distribute the spices.
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Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Once the potatoes are cooked through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce along with the broth.
- Cooking the potatoes until fork-tender ensures they absorb the flavors beautifully without turning mushy.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes along with the seasoning.
Common Mistakes
- Avoid using too much beef fat—draining excess fat ensures the dish isn’t greasy.
- Don’t skip browning the meat properly; it adds depth of flavor.
- Ensure the lid is on while simmering to retain moisture and prevent the potatoes from drying out.
Variations
- Mixed Vegetables: Add peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded cheese just before serving for a creamy finish.
- Spicy: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth. It also pairs well with a light dessert like fruit salad or sorbet for a well-rounded meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash more broth to loosen it up if it has thickened in the fridge.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 420
Protein: 24 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 18 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will work well with this recipe.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They should be soft enough to pierce with a fork, but not falling apart.
What sides would complement this dish?
Green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad would be great pairings.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Embrace the warmth and satisfaction that comes from a meal like this—perfect for gathering the family around the dinner table!
Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
A comforting one-pan dish of ground beef and potatoes that is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced ((about 2 lbs or 900 g))
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth ((240 ml))
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ((30 g))
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped parsley for garnish ((optional))
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, making sure they get coated in the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix everything well to distribute the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce along with the broth. Cooking the potatoes until fork-tender ensures they absorb the flavors beautifully without turning mushy. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes along with the seasoning. Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.