Homestyle Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet (Print Version)

Whip up this hearty, easy ground beef and potatoes skillet. A comforting, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying hungry tummies.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Homestyle
Dietary: Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
02 - 2 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Foundation

05 - 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings & Spices

08 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
09 - 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your biggest skillet or Dutch oven hot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it to get beautifully browned, really develop that crust. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so don't rush it! I always make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if I'm making a double batch, I'll brown it in two separate rounds. Drain off any excess fat; nobody wants a greasy dish, hon.
02 - Once the beef is browned and drained, toss in your chopped onion. Let it soften for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and smelling sweet. Then, add your minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir it all around for another minute or two. You want to cook out that raw tomato paste flavor, and oh, the smell when the garlic hits the pan? Pure kitchen bliss, I tell ya! Just be careful not to burn the garlic, that's an oops moment I've had too many times.
03 - Now, add your diced potatoes to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to coat the potatoes in all those yummy beef and onion bits. Sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, a generous pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Stir it all together, letting those spices bloom for a minute. This step really starts to build the layers of flavor, and you can already smell how comforting it's going to be!
04 - Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. The goal here is tender potatoes. I usually check them around the 15-minute mark; they should be easily pierced with a fork. If they're not, just pop the lid back on for a few more minutes!
05 - Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid. If the sauce looks a little thin for your liking, you can crank the heat up slightly and let it simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up to your desired consistency. I like a nice, rich sauce that clings to everything. This is where you can taste and adjust your seasonings too – maybe a little more salt or pepper?
06 - Before serving, stir in your fresh chopped parsley. This step adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that really brightens up the dish. Give it one last taste test – is it perfect? I usually sneak a spoonful right here, just to be sure, haha! Ladle this hearty easy ground beef and potatoes goodness into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a little shredded cheddar on top; it melts into gooey deliciousness!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when browning beef! That's a lesson I learned the hard way for sure.
02 - Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
03 - No beef broth? Chicken broth works, or even just water with an extra bouillon cube if you're in a pinch.
04 - A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives really elevates this simple dish.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - wooden spoon

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 28g

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