One Skillet Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe With Savory Gravy

Ground beef and potatoes come together in one of those meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

The combination works beautifully for busy weeknights when you need something hearty on the table fast.

Both ingredients are budget-friendly and widely available, making them accessible for cooks at any skill level.

The flavors meld together in ways that feel familiar yet never get boring, no matter how often you serve them.

Everyone at the table will appreciate how filling and delicious something so straightforward can be.

Time to see just how simple and rewarding a meal built on these reliable favorites can truly become.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef And Potatoes

  • Simple Comfort Food: This ground beef and potatoes skillet is exactly the hearty meal your family craves when everyone needs a satisfying dinner that comes together fast and doesn’t require fancy ingredients.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Forget multiple dishes to clean – this single skillet means minimal kitchen mess and maximum flavor, making dinnertime totally stress-free for anyone short on time.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal: Ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples that transform into a delicious dinner without breaking the bank, perfect for stretching your grocery budget.
  • Protein-Packed Plate: With lean ground beef and filling potatoes, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that keeps hungry bellies satisfied and provides solid nutrition for the whole family.

All Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef and Potatoes

All Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef and Potatoes
Main Proteins:
  • 1 Pound Ground Beef: The hearty foundation of this comforting dish that adds rich, meaty flavor to every bite.
Vegetables:
  • 4 Medium Potatoes, Diced: Starchy potatoes that soak up all the delicious seasonings and become tender during cooking.
  • 1 Onion, Chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base that deepens the overall flavor profile.
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Adds a bold, aromatic punch that brings depth to the entire dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • 1 Cup Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that helps tenderize the meat and potatoes.
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1 Teaspoon Paprika, 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: Seasonings that build complex, robust flavor layers.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural tastes of all ingredients.
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and helping ingredients develop a golden color.
  • Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Bright green garnish that adds a fresh finish to the dish.

Kitchen Tools for Ground Beef and Potatoes

  • Large Skillet (12-inch): Your main cooking vessel for this hearty dish, perfect for sautéing, browning, and simmering all ingredients together.
  • Spatula (wooden or silicone): Essential for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching your skillet’s surface.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy board where you’ll chop onions, mince garlic, and dice potatoes with ease.
  • Chef’s Knife (8-inch): Sharp and reliable for precise chopping and dicing of all your fresh ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning out spices like paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Measuring Cup: Ensures you add the correct amount of beef broth for the perfect consistency.
  • Colander: Useful if you need to drain excess fat from the ground beef during cooking.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while keeping your skillet protected.

Easy Instructions For Ground Beef And Potatoes

Easy Instructions For Ground Beef And Potatoes
1

Prepare Sauté Base

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and transparent.

2

Brown The Beef

Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet and break it apart using a spatula. Cook the meat for 5-7 minutes until it’s completely browned. Tip out any extra grease if needed.

3

Add Potato And Seasoning Mixture

Toss in the diced potatoes and prepare your flavor boosters:

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Stir everything together and bring the skillet contents to a boil.

4

Simmer And Cook

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes at 325°F. Check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5

Final Touch And Serve

Once the potatoes feel tender when pierced with a fork, taste and adjust your seasonings. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving hot.

Must Know Tips For Ground Beef Potato Skillet

Must Know Tips For Ground Beef Potato Skillet
  • Chop your onion evenly so it cooks consistently and adds great flavor to the dish.
  • Break up the ground beef with a wooden spatula while cooking to get that perfect crumbly texture and ensure no large chunks remain.
  • After browning the meat, drain excess grease to keep your dish from becoming too oily and heavy.
  • Cover the skillet while simmering to help your potatoes cook faster and absorb all the delicious seasonings.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving to add a bright, fresh touch that makes the dish look and taste amazing.

Ground Beef And Potatoes With Seasoning Options

  • Veggie Ground Beef Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version, using the same amount and cooking method.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, and swap paprika for chili powder to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Switch: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the same delicious seasoning blend.
  • Mediterranean-Style Variation: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired take on the dish.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Family-Style Serving Ideas

  • Serve Family-Style: Scoop this hearty beef and potato skillet directly from the pan onto warm dinner plates, letting everyone dig into the comforting meal together.
  • Perfect Side Companions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the beef and add some fresh nutrition to your plate.
  • Bread Makes It Better: Grab some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal with extra texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers Hack: Store any remaining skillet in an airtight container for a quick lunch the next day – the flavors get even more delicious overnight in the refrigerator.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Storage Advice

Ground Beef And Potatoes Storage Advice
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, making sure the beef and potatoes are completely cooled before sealing.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer burn and keep your meal fresh for about 2-3 months.
  • When reheating from the refrigerator, add a splash of beef broth to keep the dish moist and prevent the potatoes from drying out.
  • Store the skillet meal away from raw meats in the fridge to prevent cross-contamination and keep your kitchen safe.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Questions Answered

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat?

Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for leaner meats.

FAQ

How do I prevent my potatoes from getting mushy?

Choose starchy potatoes like Russet, and cut them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Avoid stirring too frequently during simmering.

FAQ

Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce label, as some brands contain gluten.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded together.

FAQ

What side dishes pair well with this meal?

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement the hearty flavors perfectly.

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One Skillet Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

One Skillet Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 32-43 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ground beef and potatoes make a hearty comfort meal that always reminds me of family dinners. Sizzling in the skillet with simple seasonings, this classic dish brings warmth to your table in less than 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Protein and Starch:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Introduce 1 pound ground beef into the skillet. Crumble the meat using a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until it browns completely, ensuring no pink remains.
  3. Incorporate 4 diced medium potatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  4. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check potatoes for tenderness by piercing with a fork.
  6. Verify seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top for a bright, herbal finish.
  7. Remove from heat and allow the dish to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Notes

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure crisp, clean flavors.
  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture that holds shape during cooking.
  • Season generously and taste as cooking progresses, adjusting salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
  • For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey and use low-sodium broth to reduce calories.
  • Prep Time: 7-11 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-32 minutes
  • Category: Beef
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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