This Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is quick to make and packed with flavor! Juicy ground beef meets tender potatoes and simple seasonings for a comforting meal.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time. I love whipping it up and enjoying seconds without any fuss—because who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for this recipe, as it reduces grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works too. Just keep in mind that they may slightly change the flavor.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great choices because they hold their shape while cooking. If you want to try something different, sweet potatoes can add a nice twist!
Carrots: Freshly sliced carrots are best, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have on hand. Just add them toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be a good substitute. It will slightly alter the taste but still provide moisture and depth.
Spices: Besides paprika and thyme, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure the Potatoes Cook Perfectly?
Getting your potatoes to a tender state is key for this dish! Start by chopping them into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Keep them submerged in water until you’re ready to add them to the skillet. This prevents browning.
- When cooking, make sure they are fully covered in broth for even cooking.
- Occasionally stir the mixture to ensure heat is evenly distributed across all ingredients.
By doing this, you’ll have perfectly tender potatoes that add a lovely heartiness to your dish!
Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extras:
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up while it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. If there’s any excess fat, drain it from the skillet.
3. Season the Mix:
Next, stir in the tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme (if you like), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for about a minute to blend the flavors.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add in the chopped potatoes and sliced carrots. Give everything a hearty stir to make sure the veggies are well combined with the beef and seasonings.
5. Pour in the Liquid:
Pour in the beef broth or water, ensuring the liquid just covers all the ingredients. This will help cook the potatoes and carrots through. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom and that everything cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes and carrots are tender.
7. Final Touches:
Once the vegetables are nice and tender, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy your comforting one-pan ground beef and potato skillet!
This dish combines tender potatoes and carrots with savory ground beef in a rich, lightly spiced tomato broth—perfect for a quick and filling meal. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be great substitutes for ground beef. Just adjust your cooking times slightly as leaner meats may have different fat contents and cooking properties.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans would all make excellent additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on how quickly they cook.
What If My Potatoes Are Not Cooking Evenly?
If some pieces aren’t tender while others are, try cutting your potatoes into more uniform sizes. Also, give them a good stir a couple of times during cooking to ensure even heat distribution across the skillet.
