Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Meal (Print Version)

Whip up an easy ground beef and potatoes recipe for a hearty, satisfying meal. Quick, flavorful, and a family favorite, even on chaotic weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Homestyle
Dietary: Gluten-Free (check broth ingredients)

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean preferred)
02 - 2 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.5 lbs)

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)
05 - 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low-sodium)
06 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 tsp dried thyme
08 - 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
11 - A pat of butter (optional, for richness)

→ Optional Extras

12 - Shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream (for serving)
13 - Diced carrots or bell peppers (add with onion)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, peel and dice those potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. You want them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly. This is where I always get distracted and make some too big, then they take forever to soften! Next, dice your onion and mince your garlic. Get it all ready, because once the pan is hot, things move pretty quickly. I love the smell of fresh onion and garlic, it just says "dinner is happening!"
02 - Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown nicely, getting some good crispy bits. Don't rush this! Those browned bits are flavor country. Once it's mostly cooked through, drain off most of the excess fat, but leave a little for flavor. I once drained *all* of it, and the dish felt a little... sad, honestly. Keep some of that goodness!
03 - Now, toss in your diced onion. Sauté it with the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it softens and starts to turn translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! Don't let the garlic burn; it goes from fragrant to bitter in a blink. I've been there, had to start over once, total bummer.
04 - Stir in your diced potatoes, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix, making sure the potatoes are coated in all that beefy, oniony goodness. Let the potatoes cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps them get a head start on browning and developing some texture before we add the liquid. You'll start to see little golden spots, which is exactly what we want!
05 - Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Check on it, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If it's looking a little dry, a splash more broth is totally fine. This is where the flavors really meld; you can practically taste the comfort forming!
06 - Once the potatoes are perfectly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, give it a final taste test. Adjust seasonings if needed. I sometimes add a pat of butter at the end for extra richness, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if I have it. Serve this easy ground beef and potatoes recipe hot! It’s hearty, satisfying, and just feels like a warm hug. Enjoy that incredible aroma filling your kitchen!

# Notes:

01 - Always dice your potatoes evenly; it's a game-changer for consistent cooking, learned that the hard way.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheats best gently on the stovetop.
03 - Ground turkey can sub for beef, but the flavor will be lighter - tried it, it's okay!
04 - Top with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream for an extra special touch.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet (10-12 inch)
02 - potato peeler
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife
05 - wooden spoon

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g

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