Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans with this incredibly satisfying One-Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a hearty, flavorful, and complete meal all cooked in a single pan. Tender ground beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and savory aromatics come together in a delicious sauce, making it the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and utterly delicious without the fuss of extensive cleanup. It’s a simple, rustic, and universally loved combination that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

(Culinary Charm: The Appeal of One-Pan Wonders)

The concept of “one-pan” or “one-skillet” meals has soared in popularity for a reason: they are champions of efficiency and flavor. By cooking all ingredients together in one vessel, flavors meld beautifully, and valuable juices are retained, enriching the entire dish. This particular combination of ground beef and potatoes taps into deeply rooted comfort food traditions found in cuisines worldwide. From European stews to American hash, the pairing of savory meat and satisfying potatoes has always been a beloved staple. This skillet version brings that classic appeal to the forefront with modern convenience.

(Key Ingredients 🥩🥔🧅🧄🥫 & Detailed Preparation)

This recipe uses everyday ingredients, but the magic happens in how they are layered and cooked to build maximum flavor.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• Ground Beef 🥩: 450-500g (about 1 lb), preferably 80/20 for good flavor and moisture
• Potatoes 🥔: 600-700g (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and diced into ½-inch (1.2 cm) cubes (Yukon Golds, red potatoes, or even russets work well)
• Onion 🧅: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic 🧄: 2-3 cloves, minced
• Beef Broth 🥣: 1 cup (240ml)
• Tomato Paste 🥫: 2 tbsp
• Dried Herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning) 🌿: 1 tsp
• Smoked Paprika 🌶️: 1 tsp (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
• Salt 🧂: 1 tsp, or to taste
• Black Pepper ⚫: ½ tsp, or to taste
• Olive Oil 🫒: 1 tbsp (if needed for browning beef, or for sautéing vegetables)
• Optional for Garnish/Finish:
  • Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 🧀: ½ cup
  • Fresh parsley or chives 🌱: 2 tbsp, chopped

Method of Preparation:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large, deep oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. If your beef is lean, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.
   • Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic, dried herbs (oregano/thyme/Italian seasoning), and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Paste & Potatoes:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to deepen its flavor and color.
   • Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine the potatoes with the beef mixture.
4. Simmer and Cook Potatoes:
   • Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Season with salt and black pepper.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth.
5. Optional Finish (Cheese):
   • If using cheese, uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
   • Cover again for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can place it under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly (watch carefully!).
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the skillet from the heat.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
   • Serve directly from the skillet, or scoop into individual bowls.

(Estimated Preparation & Cooking Time)

• Active Prep: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes

(Tips for the Best One-Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes)

• Even Potato Dice: Cut your potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Half-inch (1.2 cm) cubes are ideal for quick cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet to allow for even browning of the beef and proper cooking of the potatoes.
• Drain Fat (if needed): If your ground beef is very fatty, draining excess grease after browning will prevent the dish from being overly greasy.
• Flavor Building: Don’t rush the steps of browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics. This builds the foundational flavor for the whole dish.
• Check Potatoes: The cooking time for potatoes can vary. Pierce with a fork to ensure they are tender before serving.
• Season as You Go: Seasoning the beef and then the overall dish helps layer the flavor.

(Variations and Enhancements)

• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering. Diced bell peppers can be added with the onions.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with rosemary or a bay leaf (remove before serving) for different aromatic notes.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end for an extra creamy sauce.
• Tomatoey Sauce: Increase the tomato paste or add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) along with the broth.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you prefer, you can serve the beef mixture over a separate batch of fluffy mashed potatoes instead of dicing them into the skillet.

(Serving Suggestions)

This One-Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own! However, you can complement it with:

• A Simple Green Salad: With a light vinaigrette, to add freshness and cut through the richness.
• Crusty Bread: To soak up any delicious juices or sauce.
• Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: For an extra vegetable serving.

(General Nutritional Information (per serving, highly variable))

The nutritional content will vary based on the type of ground beef (lean vs. fatty), the amount of oil used, and any optional cheese or additions. However, as a general estimate for one serving:

• Calories: 450-650 kcal
• Protein: 25-35g (from ground beef)
• Fats: 25-45g (from beef, oil)
• Carbohydrates: 30-45g (from potatoes, vegetables)
• Fiber: 5-8g
• Sodium: Can be moderate to high depending on broth and seasoning; adjust added salt.

This is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides good protein and carbohydrates.

(Conclusion)

The One-Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking. It delivers a deeply comforting, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly balanced meal all from a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. Ideal for any day of the week, this hearty dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated!