I love a delicious, home-cooked meal as much as the next person. But I absolutely dread the mountain of dirty pots, pans, and utensils that often comes with it. The joy of cooking can be completely undone by the tedious task of scrubbing and washing.
That’s why my mission is to create recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. This Savory Herb Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is the ultimate answer to that quest. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that cooks entirely in one pan, from start to finish.
Imagine digging into a hearty, savory dinner and knowing that your cleanup will take mere minutes. We’re talking about tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and aromatic herbs all mingling together. And you only have one dish to wash afterward. It’s a true win-win situation for any busy food lover, just like our popular slow cooker beef taco soup.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick glance at what you’re making. This is your roadmap to a simple and delicious dinner.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I truly believe one-pan meals are a modern kitchen miracle. They simplify the entire cooking process, making weeknight dinners feel effortless and enjoyable.
All the ingredients cook together, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. You get a depth of taste that usually requires multiple steps and pans. The best part is the minimal cleanup, leaving you with more time to relax.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your tools and ingredients is the first simple step. You’ll be amazed at how a few basic items create such a fantastic meal.
The key player here is a large, oven-safe skillet. A cast-iron skillet works perfectly for this. As for the ingredients, they are simple, affordable, and pack a powerful flavor punch.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to make this hearty dish. I recommend using fresh herbs for the brightest flavor, but dried work wonderfully in a pinch.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
PREPARATION
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked meal with virtually no mess. The sequence is designed to build flavor layer by layer in the same pan. For another fantastic savory dish, you should definitely try our tangy capers & tomato shrimp scampi.
Savory Herb Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Savory Herb Ground Beef & Potato Skillet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden brown and become slightly tender.
- Push the potatoes to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the center. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Cook for one more minute until the garlic is fragrant. This step wakes up the dried herbs and toasts the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor! Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the lid, season generously with salt and pepper, and give everything a final stir. Let it cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes if you prefer a less saucy consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet!
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few simple tricks can elevate your one-pan meal from good to great. These are the little things I’ve learned from making this dish again and again.
First, make sure you use a large enough skillet. Overcrowding will steam the ingredients instead of browning them. You want everything to have enough space to cook evenly.
Second, resist the urge to stir too often. Let the potatoes sit and develop a golden crust. This creates wonderful texture and flavor. Finally, don’t skip deglazing the pan with the broth—it incorporates all the delicious caramelized flavors.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This dish is fantastic for meal prep, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together beautifully.
Let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire batch in a covered skillet on the stove over low heat.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty and balanced meal all on its own. Here’s a basic breakdown of its nutritional profile per serving.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
If you’re looking for a sweet treat to follow this savory meal, our classic banana muffins are the perfect soft and sweet dessert.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions about this recipe. Here are my helpful answers to ensure your cooking success.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds are my favorite for their creamy texture, but russet potatoes or red potatoes will also work well. Just be sure to cut them into uniform, small cubes so they cook evenly.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
This recipe is very adaptable. Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork sausage are excellent substitutes. You could also use a plant-based ground “meat” for a vegetarian version. The cooking method remains the same.
My skillet isn’t oven-safe. What should I do?
No problem at all! This recipe is designed to be completed entirely on the stovetop. Just make sure you have a tight-fitting lid for your skillet to trap the steam and cook the potatoes through.
I hope this recipe becomes a new staple in your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you want something truly satisfying without the hassle.
You deserve to enjoy a fantastic, home-cooked meal without the dreaded cleanup. This dish delivers on that promise with every single bite. So go ahead, treat yourself to a delicious dinner and a clean kitchen!
I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!