Rustic Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet for Weeknights (Print Version)

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet for busy nights. Simple ingredients, comforting flavors, and a family favorite. Quick and satisfying.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy (optional)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Essentials

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes

→ Flavor Builders

06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for melting)

→ Optional Kick

14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your biggest skillet or Dutch oven heating over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. This is where I always remind myself *not* to overcrowd the pan, or it steams instead of browns, and trust me, you want that lovely, caramelized crust. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat. Don't be shy about getting some good color on it; that's where a lot of the flavor for this Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe develops!
02 - Once the beef is beautifully browned and drained, toss in your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen – that's the good stuff! Then, add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir it all around for another minute or two, letting the tomato paste toast a bit. This step really deepens the flavor profile, and honestly, it’s one of my favorites for building a rich base for your Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe.
03 - Now for the potatoes! Add your diced russet potatoes to the skillet, stirring them in with the beef and aromatics. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic starts to happen, as those potatoes get ready to soak up all those incredible flavors. Bring it to a gentle simmer, just bubbly, you know?
04 - Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is the patience game, folks! I always sneak a taste here, maybe adjust the seasoning if it needs a little more oomph. Check on it occasionally to make sure it's not sticking, and give it a stir. You want those potatoes to be soft but not mushy for the best Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe.
05 - Once the potatoes are tender, take the lid off. If the sauce looks a little too thin for your liking, you can crank the heat up a tiny bit and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. Don't walk away, though, because it can thicken quickly! You want a nice, rich sauce that clings to the beef and potatoes. This step is all about personal preference for sauce consistency, honestly.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in that fresh chopped parsley – it adds such a vibrant pop of color and freshness! If you're feeling fancy, or just really love cheese (who doesn't?), sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top and let it melt for a minute or two. The final result should be a bubbling, fragrant pan of comfort, with tender beef and potatoes swimming in a savory sauce. So good!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; it steams instead of searing, which I learned the hard way.
02 - Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheats best gently on the stovetop.
03 - Swap russets for Yukon Golds for a creamier texture, or add carrots for extra veggies.
04 - A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives really elevates this simple dish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - Wooden spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g

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