Rustic Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet for Easy Dinners (Print Version)

Whip up a satisfying rustic ground beef and potatoes skillet. This easy, comforting meal features tender beef and potatoes, perfect for any weeknight.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef
02 - 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced (about 1-inch pieces)
03 - 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
04 - 4 cloves Garlic, minced

→ Flavor Builders

05 - 1 cup Beef Broth
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
08 - 2 tbsp Tomato Paste

→ Seasonings & Spices

09 - 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
10 - 1 tsp Dried Thyme
11 - Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
13 - 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First up, grab a large, heavy-bottomed skillet – a cast iron one is my absolute favorite for this. Heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onions and let them soften and get a little golden, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell! That's the start of something delicious. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Brown it thoroughly, letting those delicious bits stick to the bottom of the pan – that’s flavor, hon! Drain any excess fat, because nobody wants a greasy ground beef and potatoes skillet.
02 - Once the beef is beautifully browned, toss in your minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until it smells fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a bitter mistake I’ve made too many times! Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Let them cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This step really wakes up the spices and deepens their flavor before any liquid goes in. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference in the final taste of your ground beef and potatoes.
03 - Now, for the stars of the show! Add your diced potatoes to the skillet, giving them a good stir to coat them in all that flavorful beef and spice. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained!), and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir, making sure those potatoes are nestled down in the liquid. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a rich and savory ground beef and potatoes dish.
04 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook. This is the patience part, about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Check on it occasionally, giving it a stir to make sure nothing’s sticking and the potatoes are cooking evenly. You want that sauce to thicken up nicely, coating everything in deliciousness. Don't rush this step; tender potatoes are key for a truly satisfying ground beef and potatoes skillet.
05 - Once the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the lid. Give it a taste test and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This is your moment to make it perfect for your palate! If you're feeling cheesy (and let's be real, who isn't?), sprinkle that shredded cheddar right on top. Cover it again for a minute or two, just until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly. Oh, the aroma!
06 - Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Give it a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. That pop of green not only looks pretty but adds a lovely fresh counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors. Let it sit for just a few minutes to let all those flavors meld together even more. Then, scoop out big, comforting portions of your rustic ground beef and potatoes skillet and get ready for some happy sighs around the dinner table. It smells incredible, tastes even better, and feels like pure home.

# Notes:

01 - Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, don't wait until the very end.
02 - For meal prep, store leftovers in individual containers in the fridge for easy grab-and-go lunches.
03 - No fresh garlic? A teaspoon of garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh adds so much more punch.
04 - Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious, savory sauce!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large
02 - heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

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

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