Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Looking for a delicious, filling, and easy-to-make dinner that requires only one pan? This Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a comforting, hearty meal. Combining savory ground beef, crispy potatoes, and simple seasonings, this dish is a family favorite. It’s quick to whip up, with minimal cleanup, and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions and plenty of variations to make it your own!

this Recipe

What Is Beef and Potatoes Skillet?

Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a simple, one-pan meal made with ground beef, diced potatoes, and a mix of vegetables and seasonings, all cooked together for a filling, flavorful dish. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served as a complete meal, with crispy, golden potatoes complementing the savory beef. It's perfect for a quick dinner that delivers hearty comfort food vibes without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients List for Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and tasty Beef and Potatoes Skillet:

For the Beef and Potatoes Skillet:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works well)
• 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup beef broth (or water, to deglaze the pan)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetable Variations: Add vegetables like carrots, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños to give the dish a bit of heat.
• Herb Substitutes: Instead of thyme or oregano, try rosemary, basil, or parsley to change up the flavor profile.
• Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter, nutrient-packed variation.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to cook? Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Beef and Potatoes Skillet in just one pan!

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme (or oregano). Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Potatoes

Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together to combine. Pour in the beef broth (or water) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Beef and Potatoes Skillet hot, straight from the pan, with your favorite sides or toppings.

How to Cook Beef and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps for making Beef and Potatoes Skillet:

1. Cook the diced potatoes until golden and crispy, then set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef in the same skillet with seasonings, then drain excess fat.
3. Sauté onions and peppers until softened, adding garlic last.
4. Combine beef and potatoes and deglaze the pan with beef broth.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Potatoes: When cooking the potatoes, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This can cause them to steam instead of becoming crispy. Cook them in batches if necessary.
• Not Draining the Beef: If your ground beef is fatty, be sure to drain any excess grease before adding the vegetables. Too much grease can make the dish oily.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Adding beef broth or water helps deglaze the pan and incorporates all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom into the dish. Don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with some thoughtful presentation and side dishes. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve Beef and Potatoes Skillet

• Family-Style Skillet: Serve the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. It’s great for sharing!
• With a Side Salad: Pair the dish with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to add some balance to the meal.
• Top with a Fried Egg: For a breakfast-for-dinner vibe, top each serving with a fried egg for added richness.
• With a Dollop of Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a creamy, tangy finish.

Presentation Ideas for Beef and Potatoes Skillet

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Serve in Individual Bowls: Dish out portions into individual bowls or plates for a more elegant presentation.
• Add a Drizzle of Hot Sauce: For those who like a little spice, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the top adds both color and heat.

Beef and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can cook the potatoes and beef mixture ahead of time, then simply reheat everything in the skillet when ready to serve.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use another type of meat in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust the seasonings to taste, as these meats have a milder flavor.

Q: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a meaty texture and flavor.

Q: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A: Yes! For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan over the dish in the last few minutes of cooking and cover with a lid to let it melt.

Q: How do I get the potatoes crispy?
A: The key to crispy potatoes is to cook them in a single layer in a hot pan without overcrowding. Stir them occasionally, but not too often, to allow the sides to develop a crispy texture.

Conclusion

This Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick dinner option, this one-pan meal delivers big on flavor and simplicity. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and perfectly balanced seasonings, it's a recipe that everyone will love. Try this dish tonight and enjoy the convenience of a one-pan meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

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