Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting meal that comes together in under an hour, look no further than this Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet. This hearty, one-pan wonder delivers rich, savory flavors with tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned beef, and a melty cheddar finish—all in just 45 minutes. It’s an easy weeknight hero, crowd-pleaser, and a practical choice when you want something filling that doesn’t require complicated ingredients or endless cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list proves you don’t need anything fancy for a dish to shine! Each simple staple plays a clear role, contributing either depth, coziness, or that bit of irresistible color that makes this Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet so inviting.

• Ground beef (1 lb): Classic and loaded with flavor, it’s the star protein that makes this skillet satisfying.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the beef and sauté the onion, adding a subtle richness.
• Onion, chopped (1 medium): Brings sweetness and depth—don’t skip it!
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For an aromatic punch that takes the dish to the next level.
• Potatoes, thinly sliced (4-5 medium): The creamy, slightly crisp base that soaks up all the savory juices.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth, color, and a gentle smokiness.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Doubles down on that irresistible garlic flavor.
• Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings an herby brightness that balances the hearty beef.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Because seasoning as you go is key for bold, rounded flavors.
• Beef broth or water (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and tender—use broth for even more flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Sprinkle on top for an oozy, golden finish (highly recommended!).
• Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds color and freshness as a final flourish.

How to Make Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your ground beef. Let it sizzle and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. You want it browned all over, with a deep aroma filling your kitchen—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain most of it, leaving just enough for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

With your beef browned, sprinkle in the chopped onion and minced garlic. It hits the pan and immediately releases that wonderful fragrance you only get from the magic blend of onion, garlic, and savory beef. Cook and stir for another 3 to 4 minutes, until those onion pieces turn soft and almost translucent.

Step 3: Layer in Potatoes and Seasonings

Scatter your thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the beef, then dust everything with the paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These seasonings meld together to form an almost gravy-like coating as the potatoes start to cook. Give it all a careful mix, ensuring the seasoning hugs every slice and crumble.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour the beef broth (or water) into the skillet, making sure all those crispy bits on the bottom get scraped up for extra flavor. Stir once more, then cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes will soften, absorbing the herby, meaty goodness while everything cooks to perfection.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Garnish

If you’re a cheese lover, now’s your time to shine! Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the skillet and let it melt—just a few minutes with the lid on will give you that gooey, bubbling finish. Garnish with fresh parsley, and your Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet looks as stunning as it tastes.

How to Serve Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal lift right at the end. For extra zest, a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a dash of crushed red pepper works beautifully, especially if you want a mild kick that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots if you want even more veggies at the table. A hunk of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for mopping up every bit of that savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet straight from the pan, family-style, or transfer it to a serving dish for a homey, rustic vibe. Want to impress guests? Spoon portions into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins—everyone gets their own bubbling skillet to enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this skillet meal for later cravings! Place portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the skillet, cover, and warm gently over medium-low heat. You can also microwave individual portions with a loose cover—just be sure to stir halfway for even heating. If you added cheese, it will melt beautifully again!

FAQs

Can I use another type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork to tweak the flavors and make it a bit leaner. Just be mindful that different meats cook at slightly different speeds and might need a touch more seasoning to really shine.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Not at all—the potato skins add lovely texture and a rustic feel. Just give them a good scrub before slicing. If you prefer a smoother bite, go ahead and peel; it’s all about personal preference!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Certainly! Simply skip the shredded cheddar cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. The rest of the Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet is naturally dairy-free, so everyone can enjoy it.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes hold up nicely and become deliciously tender while soaking up all the pan flavors. Waxy reds also work, especially if you love a creamier texture. The thinner you slice, the quicker they’ll cook!

How can I make this meal more veggie-packed?

Feel free to add in bell peppers, diced carrots, frozen peas, or even spinach in the last few minutes of simmering. The skillet’s flavor base handles extra vegetables beautifully, bringing both color and nutrition to every serving.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet enough for busy nights, cozy weekends, or simply when you crave something utterly delicious. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple, hearty, and full of flavor one skillet dinner can be!

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