Beef Potatoes One Pan

This easy ground beef and potatoes skillet gets dinner ready when you're short on time. We cook ground beef with chunky potatoes and mix in onions, garlic, and spices. It's super simple but packed with taste. I found this meal idea while looking for cheaper dinner options and couldn't believe how these basic items made such a filling dish.

I whipped this up for my family last week, and my husband who typically goes for fancy meals helped himself to another serving. What makes it so good? The mix of Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste builds a deep, tasty base that makes simple ingredients taste amazing.

Key Ingredients and Smart Choices

• Ground Beef: Pick whatever fat content fits your budget and diet
• Russet Potatoes: Their starchiness makes the dish more filling
• Worcestershire Sauce: Gives that savory kick you can't miss out on
• Tomato Paste: Small amount packs big flavor throughout
• Beef Broth: Creates juicy sauce that softens the potatoes

The best part happens as the potatoes slowly cook in the beef mix, soaking up all those tasty flavors while turning into a satisfying one-pot dinner.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare The Skillet

Start by warming olive oil in a big, deep pan over medium-high heat. Let it get hot but watch that it doesn't smoke for best browning results.

Step 2: Cook The Meat

Put ground beef into the hot pan, add salt and pepper, and spread it flat. Let it sit without touching for 3 minutes to get a nice brown crust. This browning adds tons of flavor.

Step 3: Finish The Beef

Break the meat into smaller chunks with your spoon. Cook about 2 minutes more until fully browned. If your beef is fatty, pour off extra grease to avoid a soggy meal.

Step 4: Mix In Flavors

Toss in chopped onions with the beef and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, mixing well so the paste spreads throughout. Cook 1-2 minutes to let the tomato paste deepen in flavor.

Step 5: Add The Potatoes

Throw in the diced potatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well so all pieces get coated in the sauce. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, giving it a stir now and then.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Finish

When everything starts bubbling, turn heat to medium-low and put the lid on. Let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring sometimes to stop sticking. Potatoes should get soft but still hold their shape.

Step 7: Test If It's Done

Poke the potatoes with a fork – they're ready when the fork slides in easily. If they're still firm, keep cooking and check every 5 minutes.

Step 8: Final Taste Test

Try a bite and add more salt if needed. Everything should taste rich and savory with potatoes that are perfectly tender.

Step 9: Thicken If You Want

If you like thicker sauce, take the lid off and cook a few more minutes to boil off some liquid, stirring occasionally.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

Scatter fresh parsley, green onions, chives, or cilantro on top right before serving to add color and freshness. Serve while hot for the best taste.

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When I first made this, some potato pieces got mushy while others stayed hard because I rushed the cutting. Taking that extra minute to chop them the same size really improves how the final dish turns out.

Smart Money-Saving Meal

This dish shows how cheaply you can feed your family, costing under $10 for four people. Ground beef goes on sale regularly, and potatoes are always one of the cheapest veggies around. You can make it go further by using more potatoes and less meat or throwing in cheap veggies like carrots. It heats up great the next day, making it perfect when you're watching your food budget.

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Perfect For Picky Eaters

This meal works wonders in homes with different food preferences. Kids who usually push away veggies often gobble this up since the potatoes take on the meat's flavor. Sprinkle cheese on top for fussy kids, or mix in peas or corn for extra nutrition. Think of the basic recipe as your starting point that you can tweak to please everyone eating at your table.

Changing With The Seasons

This flexible skillet welcomes different produce throughout the year. In summer, toss in zucchini or bell peppers during the final ten minutes. Fall is perfect for adding roasted butternut squash alongside potatoes. Winter versions taste great with hearty kale or spinach stirred in just before serving. Spring calls for tender asparagus tips or fresh peas added at the end. These simple changes keep the meal exciting all year while using what's fresh and affordable at your store.

Prep Ahead For Busy Days

For hectic households, this dish saves the day as a make-ahead option. You can cook everything up to three days early and keep it in the fridge. For storing longer, cool it completely and freeze in meal-sized containers for up to three months. Just thaw in your fridge overnight before warming up, adding a minute or two to heating time.

Clever Cooking Tricks

• Toss in a bay leaf while cooking for deeper flavor (take it out after)
• A bit of red wine mixed with the beef broth creates amazing richness
• Try it with sweet potatoes instead for a different taste
• Turn leftovers into breakfast by adding a fried egg on top
• For spice lovers, shake in red pepper flakes or hot sauce

I figured out these tweaks after making this dish many times – especially adding the bay leaf, which brings surprising depth without changing how the meal tastes overall.

This simple beef and potatoes skillet has become my trusty standby when I want a filling dinner without spending forever cooking. The mix of soft potatoes and flavorful beef creates something that tastes much fancier than its parts – comfort food that's still good for you and satisfying.

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This ground beef and potatoes skillet shows that tasty, filling meals don't need fancy methods or weird ingredients – just thoughtful cooking and good basic foods that work perfectly together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I throw in other veggies with the beef and potatoes?

Definitely! Carrots, bell peppers, green beans, or peas work great. Add harder veggies like carrots when adding potatoes, and save faster-cooking ones like peas for the final few minutes.

→ What can I swap for beef broth?

You can use chicken or veggie broth instead, or even water with a bouillon cube or a bit of beef base mixed in.

→ How do I give this dish more flavor?

Spice it up with paprika or cumin, throw in a splash of red wine, or add a hint of soy sauce or Dijon mustard. Fresh thyme or rosemary also works wonders.

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yep! Turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat works. Just add a little extra oil to keep lean meats from drying out.

→ What’s the best way to save and reheat extras?

Put leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Heat them up slow in a covered pan with a splash of broth, or microwave at medium power to keep the potatoes soft.