If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and filling dinner, this Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is perfect for you! This one-pan dish features savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a variety of seasonings, all cooked together in a skillet for an easy, satisfying meal. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and a great option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry! Ready to learn how to make this delicious skillet meal? Let’s get cooking!
What Is Beef and Potatoes Skillet?
Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a comforting one-pan dish that combines ground beef with potatoes, onions, and spices for a simple yet flavorful meal. It’s a classic combination that is not only hearty and filling but also versatile. You can customize the dish by adding vegetables, cheese, or even changing up the seasonings to suit your preferences. The best part is that everything is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients List for Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe. These are all simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together quickly for a delicious meal.
For the Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
- Ground Beef – 1 pound (80-85% lean works best for flavor and texture).
- Potatoes – 3-4 medium potatoes, diced (russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well).
- Onion – 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons (for sautéing).
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon (for a smoky flavor).
- Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon.
- Onion Powder – ½ teaspoon.
- Dried Thyme – ½ teaspoon (optional).
- Beef Broth – ½ cup (for added moisture and flavor).
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
- Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish).
Substitutions and Variations
This Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is very versatile, allowing you to adapt it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:
- Meat Substitutions: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Potato Options: Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes can be used in place of russet potatoes.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheesy Addition: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you prefer a bit of heat in your dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making this delicious and comforting Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, evenly-sized cubes (about ½ inch). This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
- Place the diced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 5-10 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and prevents them from sticking during cooking. Drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, but leave a little for flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
- In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes in a single layer, stirring occasionally, and cook until they begin to brown and crisp up, about 10-12 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Season the potatoes with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the potatoes in the seasoning.
Step 4: Add the Onions and Garlic
- Once the potatoes are golden brown and starting to soften, push them to one side of the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the other side of the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir everything together in the skillet, ensuring the potatoes, onions, and garlic are evenly combined.
Step 5: Return the Ground Beef to the Skillet
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the potatoes and onion mixture.
- Stir everything together, then pour in the beef broth. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender. The beef broth will also help deglaze the skillet, picking up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked through and the potatoes are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if desired) for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Beef and Potatoes Skillet warm, and enjoy!
How to Cook Beef and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
To summarize, here’s how to cook Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned, then set it aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Sauté diced potatoes until golden and crispy.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Cook the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Combine: Return the beef to the skillet, add broth, and let it all simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooked Potatoes: Be sure to dice the potatoes small enough so they cook through in the skillet. If they’re too large, they may take longer to cook, or worse, remain undercooked.
- Skipping the Broth: The beef broth not only adds moisture but also helps deglaze the skillet, capturing all the flavorful bits from the meat and potatoes.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Give the potatoes enough room in the skillet to brown properly. Overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than crisp up.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Beef and Potatoes Skillet is hearty enough to serve on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the meal:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a light green salad to balance the richness.
- Top with Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the skillet just before serving. You can even pop the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
How to Serve Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it for a delicious dinner:
- Family-Style: Serve the skillet straight from the pan at the table for a rustic, cozy meal.
- With Bread: Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the flavorful juices from the skillet.
- With Eggs: Serve it with a fried or poached egg on top for a breakfast-style meal, or make it a hearty brunch option.
Presentation Ideas for Beef and Potatoes Skillet
For a nice presentation, consider these tips:
- Skillet to Table: Serve the dish directly in the skillet for a casual, rustic vibe.
- Top with Fresh Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of parsley, chives, or green onions for color and a fresh bite.
- Add a Fried Egg: Top each serving with a fried egg for a satisfying, breakfast-inspired presentation.
Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Add Veggies: Sauté some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the onions for a more nutritious meal.
- Freeze Leftovers: This dish freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef. You may want to add extra seasonings since turkey is leaner and less flavorful on its own.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare this dish ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3
days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes, sweet potatoes work beautifully in this dish. They add a natural sweetness that pairs well with the savory ground beef.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Leftover Beef and Potatoes Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something comforting. With savory ground beef, crispy potatoes, and flavorful seasonings, this one-pan wonder is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Serve it with a salad, some crusty bread, or even a fried egg on top for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintBeef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This beef and potatoes skillet recipe is a simple and satisfying one-pan meal packed with ground beef, crispy potatoes, and flavorful spices. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, this hearty dish brings comfort to the table in under 30 minutes. Add your favorite veggies or top with cheese for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup beef broth (optional for extra moisture)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Push the potatoes to the side of the skillet and add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir everything together, adding beef broth if needed for extra moisture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until melted.
- You can customize the recipe by adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
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