Ground beef with potatoes is a classic comfort food that can be prepared in many ways, from simple skillet meals to hearty casseroles. Here’s a popular and versatile recipe for a skillet version that’s quick and satisfying:
Simple Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This recipe focuses on browning the beef and potatoes together with some basic seasonings for a flavorful and easy one-pan meal.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20-30 minutes Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 works well)
- 3 medium potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and diced into ½ to ¾ inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional, but recommended for flavor)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water (optional, for a little moisture)
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or green onions, chopped; shredded cheddar cheese
Equipment:
- Large skillet with a lid (cast iron works great for this)
Instructions:
- Prepare Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into even-sized cubes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Brown Potatoes (Optional, but recommended for texture): Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until they start to soften and get golden brown on some sides. You don’t need them fully cooked yet, just starting. If your pan isn’t large enough to brown both at once, you can cook the potatoes first, remove them, and then brown the beef.
- Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet (if you’re cooking them together). Add the ground beef to the other side. Break up the beef with your spoon as it cooks. If using onion, add it to the beef and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, combining the beef and potatoes, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer (if desired): If you want a slightly more tender potato and a bit of sauce, pour in the beef broth or water. Stir, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If you prefer crispier potatoes, you can skip the broth and cover, or just continue to cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until potatoes are done.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheese and cover for a minute or two until melted, or simply garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Tips and Variations:
- Potato Type: While Yukon Gold and Russet are good, red potatoes also work and hold their shape well.
- Add More Veggies: Diced bell peppers (any color), carrots, or even frozen corn or peas can be added along with the beef and potatoes. Add bell peppers and carrots with the onion; add frozen corn/peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic can add a nice kick.
- Flavor Boosts:
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce (1-2 teaspoons) can add umami to the beef.
- A tablespoon of tomato paste cooked with the beef for a minute or two before adding liquids will deepen the flavor.
- Try different spice blends like chili powder and cumin for a Mexican-inspired twist, or rosemary and thyme for a more classic European flavor.
- Cheese: Adding shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) on top during the last few minutes of cooking makes it extra gooey and delicious.
- Serving: This dish is a complete meal on its own!
Enjoy your hearty ground beef with potatoes!