Easy weeknight one-skillet meal

This simple ground beef and potatoes skillet is a terrific way to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight. In this recipe, ground beef is cooked with diced potatoes and flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. The ingredients are kept to a minimum, but it's still packed with flavor. I discovered this recipe years ago when looking for budget-friendly meals, and it quickly became a family favorite for its simplicity and hearty appeal.

Last week, I made this for a neighbor who just had surgery, and she texted me the next day asking for the recipe. The secret? Taking the time to brown the beef properly for maximum flavor.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Beef - Choose sirloin, chuck, or round depending on your preference for fat content
• Russet Potatoes - Their starchy texture creates a nice body to the dish
• Onion - Yellow or white work equally well for this recipe
• Worcestershire Sauce - Adds depth and umami flavor that's hard to replace
• Tomato Paste - Concentrates flavor and adds rich color to the dish

The magic happens when the beef juices and seasonings combine with the potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat Your Skillet

Use a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until hot but not smoking. A wide surface area helps with proper browning.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and spread in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then stir and cook 2 more minutes. This creates flavorful caramelization.

Step 3: Manage the Fat

If necessary, drain excess fat after browning. Tilt the pan and use a large spoon to remove pooled fat while keeping the beef to one side.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Incorporate onions into the beef and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

Step 5: Introduce Potatoes

Add diced potatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring potatoes are coated with the mixture.

Step 6: Simmer to Tenderness

When mixture begins to sizzle, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Check Doneness

Test potatoes with a fork or knife - they should slide in and out with no resistance when fully cooked.

Step 8: Adjust Seasonings

Taste and add more salt if needed. The final dish should be well-seasoned but not overly salty.

Step 9: Control Sauce Consistency

If you prefer less sauce, uncover for the last few minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley, green onions, or chives before serving hot.

Pin it

I learned the importance of proper browning from my grandmother, who always said, "Color equals flavor." When I started taking my time with the beef, this simple dish transformed from good to great.

Budget-Friendly Brilliance

This dish exemplifies how economical meals can be extraordinarily satisfying without straining your wallet. During particularly tight financial months, I've found myself returning to this recipe time and again, often stretching it even further by adding whatever vegetables need using up in my crisper drawer. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even frozen corn can be incorporated during the last few minutes of cooking. At roughly $2-3 per serving (depending on beef prices), it delivers remarkable value while providing complete protein, carbohydrates, and whatever vegetables you choose to include – proving that nourishing, delicious meals don't require expensive ingredients.

Pin it

Family History in a Skillet

My grandmother used to make a similar dish during the lean years after World War II, though her version used leftover roast beef chopped finely instead of ground beef. She called it "stretch-a-meal" and considered it clever kitchen economy rather than a compromise. When I make this dish today, I'm connecting with generations of home cooks who understood how to transform humble ingredients into meals that not only filled bellies but also brought families together around the table. Those memories of watching her efficiently manage her kitchen resources have shaped my own approach to cooking and meal planning decades later.

Seasonal Adaptations

One aspect I particularly appreciate about this foundational recipe is how beautifully it adapts throughout the year. In summer, I often add fresh corn cut straight from the cob and diced zucchini during the last five minutes of cooking, then garnish with garden-fresh basil instead of parsley. Fall brings opportunities to include diced butternut squash alongside the potatoes (they cook at similar rates) with a sprinkle of sage. Winter versions might include hearty greens like kale stirred in just long enough to wilt, while spring calls for tender peas and asparagus pieces. This chameleon-like quality makes it a year-round staple that never feels repetitive.

Global Inspiration Possibilities

Though the basic recipe has humble American roots, I've discovered it serves as an excellent canvas for global flavor explorations. For a Mexican-inspired version, I add cumin, oregano, and chili powder with the garlic, then stir in black beans and top with cilantro and lime juice. Mediterranean variations include oregano, olives, and feta cheese sprinkled over the top after cooking. For Eastern European flair, I incorporate paprika, caraway seeds, and finish with a dollop of sour cream. These adaptations have turned one simple recipe into a passport to world flavors without requiring entirely new techniques or unfamiliar cooking methods.

Chef's Essential Tips

• For deeper flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after cooking the beef
• A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creamy mushroom flavor remarkably
• Toasting the rice in butter for 2-3 minutes before adding water adds nutty complexity
• For a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture
• Save time by using pre-cooked rice, reducing liquid accordingly

I've refined these tips through many iterations of this recipe, particularly after discovering that adding finely diced celery to the filling creates an authentic buffalo wing experience that reminds me of the classic appetizer but in a more nutritious form.

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet has become my go-to solution for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. There's something wonderfully satisfying about combining simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The comforting combination of savory, spicy goodness and melty cheese, and fluffy rice that appeals to almost everyone in the family.

Final Tips

• For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese
• Transform leftovers by pureeing a portion to create a thicker consistency
• For extra nutrition, stir in a handful of baby spinach just before serving
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor
• Freeze in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches

Pin it

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet proves that the most beloved family recipes don't need to be complicated to be delicious. With just a few simple techniques and the right ingredients, you can create a meal that satisfies both body and soul. The combination of tender, flavorful ground beef, spicy consomé for dipping, and that irresistible crispy exterior creates the ultimate taco experience that's worth every minute of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I add vegetables to this ground beef and potatoes skillet?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, green beans, or bell peppers make great additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the potatoes, and quick-cooking vegetables like peas in the last 5 minutes.

→ What can I use instead of beef broth?

Chicken broth or vegetable broth work well as substitutes. You can also use water with a beef bouillon cube or a teaspoon of beef base.

→ How can I add more flavor to this dish?

Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, spices like paprika or cumin, or a splash of red wine. A tablespoon of soy sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard also adds great depth.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat substitutes work well. With leaner meats, you might need to add a bit more oil when browning.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave at 70% power to prevent the potatoes from becoming rubbery.