This Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender potatoes and tasty beef, it’s filling and comforting!
You can throw in some veggies for extra color and crunch if you want! I love how quick it is to make—who doesn’t enjoy fewer dishes to wash?
It’s a family favorite at my house because it’s both simple to cook and delicious! Serve it with a side salad, and dinner is done in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this recipe, but you can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. They’ll offer a different flavor, but still delicious!
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon gold potatoes for their texture. If you want to avoid nightshades, sweet potatoes are a great swap, adding a hint of sweetness!
Carrots: The carrots add great color and a little natural sweetness. You can substitute them with peas or green beans for a different take.
Beef Broth: Using beef broth gives a richer flavor, but vegetable broth or chicken broth are excellent alternatives. Just ensure they’re low-sodium for better control of seasoning.
Herbs: Dried parsley is handy, but fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish. Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs if you have them on hand!
How Can I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the potatoes just right is key to this dish! Here are tips to ensure they’re tender without being mushy:
- Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Let them cook for the full 20-25 minutes covered, which steams them and helps absorb flavors.
- Check for doneness by piercing them with a fork—they should be soft but not falling apart.
If they need a little more time, continue simmering in small increments, but be careful not to overcook!
Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spoon, break it apart and stir it as it cooks. Continue cooking for around 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off!
3. Add Flavors:
Mix in the tomato paste and paprika. Stir everything together, cooking for an additional minute to let those flavors develop.
4. Combine the Veggies:
Now, toss in the diced potatoes and carrots. Stir well to combine with the beef mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully add the beef broth—enough to partially cover the potatoes and beef mixture, which is about 2 cups. This will help everything cook evenly and become flavorful.
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally! This will allow the potatoes and carrots to become tender while the sauce thickens.
7. Final Touches:
Once the veggies are tender, stir in the dried or fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serve It Up:
Garnish with fresh chives or green onions if you like and serve warm. Enjoy your tasty and comforting one-pan meal!
This Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is hearty, simple, and the perfect solution for busy nights. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the carrots for peas, green beans, or even bell peppers. Just remember that different vegetables may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you enjoy a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Another option is to incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
Can I Refrigerate Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive the moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free! Just ensure that your beef broth is gluten-free and use gluten-free bouillon if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
