Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet
Highlighted under: Comfort Meal Staples
I love whipping up my Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet when I need a hearty meal that's quick and satisfying. This dish combines juicy hamburger meat with tender potatoes, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. With just a few seasonings, it transforms into a flavorful delight that warms my heart. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe never fails to please. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious, making it a perfect meal prep option to enjoy throughout the week.
When experimenting with one-pan meals, I found that using a cast-iron skillet really enhances the flavors in my Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet. The meat gets a beautiful sear, and the potatoes cook evenly while absorbing all the savory notes. I love the way the aroma fills my kitchen as it cooks, making everyone eager to sit down and enjoy a meal together.
Another delightful aspect of this dish is its versatility. I often toss in some frozen veggies or cheese, depending on what I have on hand. Not only does it make for a colorful presentation, but it also adds extra nutrients without much effort. The key is to keep an eye on the pot to ensure everything cooks perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying with a perfect balance of meat and potatoes.
- Easy cleanup with just one skillet to wash.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite vegetables.
Understanding the Ingredients
Each component in the Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet plays a vital role in achieving its hearty flavor and satisfying texture. The ground beef provides a rich umami base, while the combination of potatoes and vegetables creates a balance that makes the dish comforting. Diced potatoes should be cut uniformly to ensure even cooking. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier texture, or starchy varieties like Russets for a fluffier finish that breaks down slightly in the broth.
The bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, complementing the savory notes from the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. If you're looking to customize, consider substituting with zucchini or carrots, which can also absorb the flavors beautifully. The choice of beef broth can elevate the dish's taste—try low-sodium for a lighter option or homemade broth for added depth.
Tips for Perfect Cooking
When cooking the meat, ensure that your skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding the olive oil. This helps to sear the beef, creating that coveted brown crust which enhances flavor. If you notice that the meat releases too much liquid, you might need to increase the heat slightly to encourage browning rather than steaming. Additionally, breaking up the beef early ensures even cooking and prevents clumps, promoting a harmonious texture throughout the dish.
As the mixture simmers, the potatoes will absorb the flavors from the broth. Make sure to stir occasionally and monitor the cooking process; if the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water or more broth. This will keep the potatoes moist and tender rather than dry. The final dish should have a cohesive sauce that clings to the ingredients, creating a comforting overall experience.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Serve the Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet directly from the pan for a casual family-style meal. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness, and consider offering a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese to enhance the dish's creamy texture. This meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad that adds a crunchy contrast, making the meal balanced and satisfying.
For meal prep, this dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to maintain moisture. If you're looking to freeze it, make sure to cool the skillet meal completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for about three months, and thawing overnight in the fridge makes reheating easy for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
For the Skillet
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Feel free to add any additional herbs or spices you enjoy!
Instructions
Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the onions, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Incorporate Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, along with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
Cook Until Tender
Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the broth is absorbed.
Serve hot and enjoy a delicious meal!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider topping with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers from the Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet can be incredibly versatile. Consider transforming the dish into a hearty breakfast by adding eggs—simply crack a few eggs on top and bake in the oven until the whites are set. This adds protein and can be an exciting way to start the day, keeping the same great flavors while providing a new twist.
Another great way to use leftovers is to incorporate them into stuffed bell peppers. Simply hollow out fresh bell peppers, mix the leftovers with some cooked rice or quinoa, fill the peppers, and bake until the peppers are tender. This not only rejuvenates the meal but also creates a visually appealing dish, perfect for entertaining guests.
Make It a Meal
To elevate your Hamburger Meat and Potato Skillet experience, consider pairing it with a side of cornbread or biscuits. Both options provide a warm, buttery contrast that complements the savory skillet. Additionally, a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors of the skillet and add a refreshing note to the meal.
For those looking to boost nutritional value, adding greens like spinach or kale can be a great idea. Stir them in at the very end of cooking, allowing them to wilt slightly without overcooking. This not only enhances the color but also enriches the dish with vitamins and minerals, making each bite even healthier while still retaining that comforting feel.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative!
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Allow it to cool, then freeze in portions for up to three months.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad for extra freshness.
Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet
I love whipping up my Hamburger Meat And Potato Skillet when I need a hearty meal that's quick and satisfying. This dish combines juicy hamburger meat with tender potatoes, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. With just a few seasonings, it transforms into a flavorful delight that warms my heart. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe never fails to please. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious, making it a perfect meal prep option to enjoy throughout the week.
Created by: Harper Collins
Recipe Type: Comfort Meal Staples
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Skillet
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the onions, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, along with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the broth is absorbed.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider topping with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 26g