Description
A hearty, low-effort weeknight dinner featuring ground beef, potatoes, and onions simmered in a rich savory gravy. This one-pan meal is perfect for families, requiring minimal cleanup and delivering nostalgic comfort food flavors in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 2 large yellow onions, diced finely
- 3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into half-inch cubes
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables by peeling and cubing the potatoes into half-inch pieces, dicing the onions finely, and mincing the garlic.
- Heat butter in a large cast iron or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no pink remains. Drain excessive grease, leaving about a tablespoon.
- Add diced onions to the beef and sauté until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about one minute to toast the spices.
- Add cubed potatoes and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check potatoes for doneness with a fork; they should be tender. If needed, cook for another 5-10 minutes. If sauce is too thin, remove lid to reduce.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in Worcestershire sauce for final flavor. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
Ensure potatoes are cut to uniform half-inch cubes for even cooking. Do not skip browning the beef for maximum flavor. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water. For a creamier texture, stir in heavy cream or sour cream at the end. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: one-pan dinner, beef casserole, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, ground beef recipe, family dinner, skillet meal