Savory Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Meal

When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like a savory ground beef and potato skillet. This dish combines the hearty texture of potatoes with the savory richness of ground beef, seasoned with warm spices like paprika and cumin. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a comforting meal on a cold day, this simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to please.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create a mouthwatering ground beef and potato skillet that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or served with your favorite side dish. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

To make this delicious skillet dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef – The star of the dish, providing a rich, savory base.
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced – These provide a hearty texture and soak up the flavors of the beef and spices as they cook.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds a mild, sweet flavor and helps balance the richness of the beef.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the overall flavor of the dish, adding depth and aroma.
• 1 tsp paprika – Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the ground beef.
• 1/2 tsp cumin – Provides an earthy, warm undertone to the dish.
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional) – Adds a bit of heat, but feel free to omit or adjust depending on your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the skillet.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Used for sautéing the potatoes, beef, and vegetables.
• 1/2 cup beef broth – This helps to soften the potatoes and infuse them with flavor, creating a delicious, savory base.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This ground beef and potato skillet is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal or anytime you need something hearty and comforting.

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by cooking the potatoes, which will form the base of this dish. Follow these steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to crisp up the edges of the potatoes while they become tender in the center. They should be nearly tender by the time you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Now, it’s time to add the ground beef:

1. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the potatoes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
2. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked and no longer pink. This step gives the beef its rich, savory flavor.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Now, it’s time to add the aromatics:

1. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef and potatoes.
2. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step builds the savory base for the dish and adds layers of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

It’s time to add the seasonings that will infuse the dish with delicious warmth:

1. Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well to evenly coat the beef, potatoes, onion, and garlic with the spices. The paprika and cumin will provide a smoky, earthy flavor, while the chili flakes give a nice kick of heat.

Step 5: Simmer with Beef Broth

Next, we’ll let the potatoes soak up the flavor and finish cooking:

1. Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. The broth will help soften the potatoes and create a flavorful sauce that coats everything in the skillet.
2. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Finally, it’s time to serve your delicious ground beef and potato skillet:

1. Serve the skillet hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

Pro Tip for Extra Richness

For an even richer meal, consider adding a fried egg on top of the skillet before serving. The runny yolk will add a velvety richness to the dish, complementing the savory beef and potatoes. This is a great way to take your meal to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

• Simple and Quick: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and a lot less fuss. The beef and potatoes cook together, absorbing all the flavorful seasonings and broth.
• Customizable: This dish is versatile. Feel free to swap out ingredients, adjust the seasoning levels, or even add other vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for more variety.
• Comforting and Hearty: With the combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory seasonings, this dish is the definition of comfort food.

Variations and Customizations

While this ground beef and potato skillet is perfect as written, it’s also highly customizable. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add Vegetables:

• Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers to the skillet along with the onion and garlic for extra color and sweetness.
• Frozen Peas or Corn: For a pop of color and sweetness, stir in some frozen peas or corn during the final 5-7 minutes of cooking.

Change the Protein:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great in this dish. Simply substitute the ground beef for the same amount of ground turkey or chicken.
• Ground Lamb: For a more flavorful twist, ground lamb can add richness and depth to the dish.

Spice it Up:

• Jalapeños or Green Chilies: For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or green chilies when sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like their food extra spicy, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the finished dish can take the heat up a notch.

Make it Creamy:

• Add Cream or Cheese: For a richer, creamier version, stir in some heavy cream or grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella toward the end of cooking. This will make the dish even more indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about this ground beef and potato skillet recipe, along with helpful answers:

1. Can I make this dish in advance?

While the ground beef and potato skillet is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Dice the potatoes and vegetables, and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating it when ready to finish the dish.

2. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

3. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for regular potatoes. They’ll add a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish, which pairs well with the savory ground beef and spices.

4. Can I make this recipe without beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. The dish will still have great flavor, though the richness will differ slightly depending on the type of broth used.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by using a plant-based ground meat substitute or simply omitting the meat and adding more vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

6. What other spices can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different spices based on your preferences. A bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or even dried oregano can add extra layers of flavor to this dish.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

To kick up the heat, add more chili flakes, or stir in some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also use a spicy paprika variety for an extra zing.

8. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking can make the dish extra indulgent. Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack

are all great choices.

9. How can I make this dish more filling?

If you want to bulk up the meal, consider adding a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad to round out the dish. You can also increase the amount of potatoes or meat for a heartier serving.

10. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this ground beef and potato skillet is great for meal prep! You can portion it out into individual containers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

11. What should I serve with this dish?

This skillet is a hearty meal on its own, but you could serve it with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth.

12. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

13. Can I use a non-stick skillet for this recipe?

Yes, a non-stick skillet works just fine for this recipe, though a cast-iron skillet adds a nice depth of flavor from browning. Just be sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking.

14. How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

If you prefer crispier potatoes, try cooking them in batches, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded in the skillet. You can also increase the heat slightly when cooking the potatoes.

15. Can I add other proteins, like bacon or sausage?

Yes, bacon or sausage would be a great addition to this dish. You can cook the bacon or sausage first, then follow the recipe as usual, adding the beef afterward.

Conclusion

This ground beef and potato skillet recipe is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With its hearty potatoes, savory ground beef, and warm spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this skillet meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for something rich, flavorful, and fulfilling. Enjoy!

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