Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

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Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

Introduction

Looking for a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that combines classic comfort food ingredients? This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. With tender cubed potatoes, savory ground beef, and a flavorful blend of spices, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard adds a delicious depth that elevates this humble dish to something truly special. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, home-cooked meal, this skillet recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1½ pounds (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup beef stock or water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (divided, or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided, or to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet.
  3. Season with half of the spices (½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper).
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and no longer pink.
  5. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside. Leave any drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

  1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet.
  2. Add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes to the skillet.
  3. Season with the remaining half of the spices (½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper).
  4. Pour in the beef stock or water and stir to combine.
  5. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

  1. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the potatoes.
  2. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and become aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the potatoes and vegetables.
  2. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
  3. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  1. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed.
  2. Remove the skillet from heat.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top.
  4. Serve hot directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving dish.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

  • Calories: 425
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Potato Selection: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape well when cooked and have a buttery flavor. However, red potatoes or russets can work in a pinch.
  2. Uniform Cutting: Try to cut the potatoes into uniform-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
  3. Beef Options: While 80/20 ground beef offers the most flavor, you can use 90/10 lean ground beef for a lighter version.
  4. One-Pot Efficiency: For even less cleanup, you can cook the beef and vegetables together, then add the potatoes and liquid, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
  5. Test for Doneness: Potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy. If they’re taking longer than expected, cover the skillet again and check every 2 minutes.
  6. Enhancing Flavors: For deeper flavor, allow the dish to rest covered for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Meat Options: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat alternatives for the beef.
  2. Potato Varieties: Sweet potatoes can replace some or all of the Yukon Gold potatoes for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.
  3. Vegetable Additions: Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms along with the onion and bell pepper for extra vegetables.
  4. Spice Variations: Try adding Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, or taco seasoning for different flavor profiles.
  5. Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy twist.
  6. Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese over the top, cover, and let melt for a cheesy version.

Common FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This meal reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the other spices, or serve with hot sauce on the side.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Potatoes?

This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, though the potatoes may change texture slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use leftover cooked potatoes?

Absolutely! If using pre-cooked potatoes, add them after the onions and peppers have softened, and reduce the liquid to just ¼ cup. They’ll need just a few minutes to heat through.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: This dish can be frozen in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  3. Meal Prep: You can prepare all the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
  4. Reheating: Reheat in a microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to prevent drying out.
  5. Lunch Prep: This makes an excellent meal prep option for weekday lunches. Portion into individual containers and refrigerate.

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the epitome of comfort food—simple ingredients transformed into a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Its versatility means you can adapt it to suit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. From quick weeknight dinners to hearty weekend meals, this one-pan wonder delivers on both flavor and convenience, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

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