Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming dish with this rustic ground beef and potato skillet. This classic combination brings together tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef in a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 4 large potatoes (800g / 1.8 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef, 80/20 lean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
For the Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (2.5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes
- Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly
- Set aside
- Season and Cook Potatoes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add potato cubes in a single layer
- Season with half of the salt and pepper
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden
- Remove and set aside
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, add ground beef
- Break into small pieces with a wooden spoon
- Add remaining salt, pepper, and seasoning mix
- Cook until beef starts to brown (5-6 minutes)
- Combine and Finish
- Return potatoes to the skillet
- Gently mix with the beef
- Cook together for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Add fresh dill in the last minute
- Adjust seasoning to taste
Timing and Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Per Serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best results
- Pat potatoes dry before cooking for better crispiness
- Let the potatoes develop a golden crust before stirring
- Season in layers for better flavor distribution
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat: Use ground turkey, pork, or lamb
- Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- Seasoning: Add Italian herbs or Mexican spices
- Vegetables: Include diced carrots or bell peppers
- Spiciness: Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Low-carb: Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?
A: Ensure potatoes are dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Fresh potatoes work best, but frozen can be used with adjusted cooking times.
Q: How do I prevent the beef from becoming too greasy?
A: Use leaner ground beef or drain excess fat after browning.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a skillet for best texture
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
- Add fresh herbs after reheating
- Store precut potatoes in water for up to 24 hours
This hearty ground beef and potato skillet is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal that comes together quickly. The combination of crispy potatoes and well-seasoned ground beef creates a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
