The sizzle of garlic hitting melted butter is my favorite kitchen sound, a signal that something deeply comforting is minutes away. This garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet recipe delivers that cozy satisfaction in a single pan, with golden potatoes soaking up all that savory richness. It is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy Tuesday, a solution for when you need something hearty and homemade without a mountain of dishes. This dish is a cornerstone of my ground beef recipes for dinner easy collection because it transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a meal everyone asks for seconds of. It is pure, uncomplicated comfort food, made easy. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.
Table of Contents
Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
A deeply comforting one-pan meal featuring crispy potatoes and savory ground beef in a rich garlic butter sauce. It is the perfect solution for a hearty, homemade dinner without a mountain of dishes. Pure, uncomplicated comfort food made easy.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4–5 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Dice potatoes into even 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a bowl, leaving drippings.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet drippings. Add potatoes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, then stir and cook 10-12 minutes more until tender and crispy.
- Push potatoes to sides. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to center. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return cooked beef to skillet. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan with potatoes to ensure they crisp. Avoid burning the garlic by stirring constantly and cooking briefly. For a lower-carb option, substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 85
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. You likely have most of them in your pantry right now.
- 1.5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Smart Swaps & Notes:
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my favorite for their creamy texture, but russets get wonderfully crispy. For a lower-carb option, try diced sweet potatoes or even cauliflower florets.
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble. The garlic butter sauce is so flavorful it works with almost any protein.
- Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality olive oil or dairy-free butter alternative.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth are perfect substitutes if that is what you have on hand.
Timing for This Cozy Skillet Dinner
One of the best things about this garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet is how quickly it comes together for a from-scratch dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Compared to many ground beef recipes that require baking or simmering for hours, this is a true weeknight champion. From chopping to serving in under 45 minutes means more time at the table and less time stressing in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed skillet every time.
- Prep the Potatoes. Dice your potatoes into even, 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures they cook through at the same rate and get those coveted crispy edges. No need to peel them—the skins add great texture and nutrients.
- Brown the Beef. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Season generously with salt and pepper. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Crisp the Potatoes. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the beef drippings in the hot skillet. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer as best you can. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to develop a golden crust on one side before stirring. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and crispy on the edges.
- Build the Aromatics. Push the potatoes to the sides of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the center. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir constantly for just 30-60 seconds until incredibly fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Simmer. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring everything together. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that is pure flavor!). Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and coat every bite.
- Finish and Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately right from the skillet for that rustic, family-style appeal.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet (approximately one-fourth of the recipe) provides a balanced and satisfying meal. Note: Nutritional values are estimates.
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
This dish is a great source of protein from the beef and complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, providing steady energy. The garlic and onions offer prebiotic benefits for gut health, while the herbs add antioxidants. It is food that nourishes and comforts in equal measure.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any fancy gadgets for this garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet. A regular kitchen with a few basics is all it takes.
- A Large Skillet: A 12-inch cast-iron or heavy stainless-steel skillet is ideal. It provides even heating and plenty of surface area to get those potatoes crispy without steaming them. A non-stick skillet will work in a pinch, but you may not achieve quite the same level of browning.
- A Sharp Chef’s Knife: For dicing potatoes and onions quickly and safely.
- A Sturdy Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For breaking up the beef and stirring.
- A Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation, and I know it will in yours too.
- One-Pan Wonder. Minimal cleanup is the ultimate weeknight win. Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning more time relaxing and less time scrubbing.
- Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort. The combination of savory beef, crispy potatoes, and that rich garlic butter sauce feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to achieve. It is one of those ground beef recipes for dinner that tastes like you spent all day cooking.
- Endlessly Adaptable. This is a fantastic base recipe. Toss in some bell peppers with the onions, stir in a handful of spinach at the end, or top with shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Family-Friendly Comfort. It is hearty, familiar, and universally appealing. Even picky eaters are won over by the crispy potatoes and savory beef.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
You can easily tweak this garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing the cozy, comforting essence.
- Lower-Carb / Keto: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets. You will need to reduce the cook time for the cauliflower, as it softens faster. You can also use diced turnips or radishes for a potato-like texture.
- Higher-Protein: Use an extra-lean ground beef (96/4) or ground turkey breast. You can also stir in a cup of rinsed canned lentils with the beef for a fiber and protein boost.
- Dairy-Free: Simply replace the butter with extra virgin olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter stick. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is a gluten-free brand, as some contain malt vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet meal is incredibly satisfying on its own, but a few simple additions can turn it into a full feast.
- For a Complete Plate: Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread are also fantastic partners.
- Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or pickled jalapeños so everyone can customize their bowl.
- Leftover Magic: The next day, these garlic butter ground beef and potatoes make an incredible filling for breakfast burritos or a topping for a loaded hash brown bowl.
- Cozy Pairings: For another rich and savory ground beef dinner, try my Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. If you love the one-pan potato concept, my Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Smoked Sausage is a crowd-pleaser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple tips will guarantee your skillet turns out perfect every single time.
- Crowding the Pan with Potatoes. If you dump all the potatoes in at once, they will steam instead of fry. Give them space in a single layer, even if you have to cook them in two batches. Patience here rewards you with crispy edges.
- Skipping the Fond. Those browned bits left in the pan after cooking the beef are flavor gold. When you add the broth, make sure to scrape them all up with your spoon—this builds a deeply savory sauce for your garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet.
- Burnt Garlic. Garlic cooks in a flash. Add it to the pan with the other spices and stir constantly for no more than a minute. If it burns, it will turn bitter. If you are nervous, you can lower the heat slightly before adding it.
- Underseasoning. Do not be shy with salt and pepper. Season the beef while it cooks, and always do a final taste at the end before serving. The potatoes need a good amount of seasoning to shine.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet makes fantastic leftovers, as the flavors meld even more overnight.
- Refrigerator: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooled skillet mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the potatoes will lose some of their crisp texture.
For another excellent make-ahead ground beef meal, my Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a set-it-and-forget-it dream.
Conclusion
This garlic butter ground beef and potatoes skillet is the definition of comfort food, made easy. It proves that a deeply satisfying, homemade dinner does not require complicated techniques or a sink full of dishes. Simple ingredients, warm memories. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers on flavor, ease, and pure coziness every time.
I would love to hear how your skillet turns out. Did your family go back for seconds? What variations did you try? Let me know in the comments below. And if you are looking for more hearty, one-pan inspiration, be sure to check out my Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe and my easy Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
What kind of potatoes are best for a skillet?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well in a skillet and become creamy when cooked. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to be more starchy and may fall apart easier.
How do you keep potatoes from sticking to the skillet?
Ensure the skillet is properly preheated before adding the potatoes. Use enough oil or butter to coat the bottom of the skillet and prevent sticking. Avoid overcrowding the skillet and flip the potatoes only when they are browned on one side.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet meal?
Yes, you can add other vegetables! Onions, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or green beans all pair well with ground beef and potatoes. Add them at the appropriate time based on their cooking time (e.g., onions and carrots before the potatoes).
How do I make sure the ground beef is cooked thoroughly?
Cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Drain any excess grease after cooking.
What seasonings go well with garlic butter ground beef and potatoes?
Besides garlic and butter, consider adding salt, pepper, paprika, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Onion powder and garlic powder can also enhance the flavor.
Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that ground turkey and chicken have a lower fat content, so you might need to add a little extra oil to the skillet.
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