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Easy 30-Minute Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring crispy potatoes and savory ground beef, perfect for busy weeknights. This simple recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
  • Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Potatoes: Peel potatoes and cut into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat very dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to get a nice sear, then continue breaking up and stirring until fully browned. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Potatoes: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add dried potato cubes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside (about 10-12 minutes total).
  5. Combine and Season: Return browned beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
  6. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until liquid reduces slightly and flavors meld.
  7. Final Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If adding cheese, sprinkle on top, cover skillet for 1 minute to melt, then serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy potatoes, ensure they are very dry before cooking and avoid stirring too often. If potatoes are taking too long to cook, add a splash more broth and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to steam, then uncover to crisp. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, potato skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner, comfort food, 30-minute meal

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-30-minute-ground-beef-and-potato-skillet/