Oh, this ground beef skillet. Where do I even begin? It’s one of those recipes that’s been passed down in my family for generations, evolving slightly each time, but always a comforting, delicious staple. I think of it as a cross between a shepherd’s pie and a hearty chili, but way easier and quicker to throw together. It’s a true weeknight hero, and my kids *beg* for it. Seriously, if I’m not sure what to make, this is always a guaranteed win. The savory beef, the creamy potatoes…it’s just perfection in a pan! It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, you know?
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What is ground beef skewer?
Think of a ground beef skillet as a deconstructed shepherd’s pie, but with a whole lot more flexibility! It’s essentially seasoned ground beef simmered with veggies in a flavorful sauce, all topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup (hallelujah!). The name “skillet” comes from the fact that everything – from browning the beef to baking – happens right in a skillet (oven-safe, of course!). It’s a super versatile dish, easily customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand. Trust me, even picky eaters will devour this one.
Why you will love this recipe?
Okay, where do I start? This ground beef skillet is just…magic.
What I love most about this is the **flavor**. It’s a symphony of savory beef, slightly sweet vegetables, and a rich, creamy potato topping. It’s incredibly satisfying and flavorful. I always sneak in a little Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami kick – don’t tell anyone!
Then there’s the **simplicity**. Honestly, this is one of the easiest recipes in my arsenal. Brown the beef, sauté some veggies, mash some potatoes, layer it all together, and bake. That’s it! It’s ready in under an hour, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. No fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients needed.
And let’s not forget the **cost-efficiency**. Ground beef is relatively inexpensive, especially when bought in bulk. The other ingredients are pantry staples or easily substituted. It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Finally, the **versatility**! You can swap out the veggies, add different cheeses to the potatoes, or even use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. I’ve even tried adding a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor and moisture, and it was a hit! If you’re a fan of comfort food like lasagna or pot pie, this ground beef skillet is going to be your new best friend.
How do you make ground beef skewers?
Quick Overview
Making this ground beef skillet is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by browning the ground beef with some aromatic vegetables. Then, you’ll simmer everything together in a flavorful sauce. While that’s happening, you’ll whip up some creamy mashed potatoes. Finally, you’ll layer the beef mixture into an oven-safe skillet, top it with the mashed potatoes, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The best part? It’s all done in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Seriously, it’s so simple, even a beginner cook can nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced. 1 clove
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots and corn)
- How many cans of tomato sauce are there?
- 1 cup beef broth. 1 tsp.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme per person.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered.
- 1/2 cup milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk and it works great!)
- How many tablespoons of butter should I
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper 1
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- What’s the best way to serve shredded cheddar cheese?
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grab an oven-safe skillet (about 10-12 inches). I always grease the bottom with olive oil or cooking spray. How do you clean a beef mixture? Make sure your skillet is oven safe – you don’t want any melting disasters! I learned that lesson the hard way once…
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. How do you drain grease from a skillet? I always use a fine-mesh sieve to get all the grease out.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, sauté the onion and minced garlic. Add the beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be amazing at this point! What is the worst thing to do when you burn garlic?
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce (if using), dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. I always give it a little taste at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Is it necessary to boil potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes? How do you drain potatoes well?
Step 6: Mash the Potatoes
Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want extra creamy potatoes, you can use a hand mixer. Just be careful not to overmix them, or they’ll get gluey.
Step 7: Assemble the Skillet
Remove the beef mixture from the heat. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the beef mixture in the skillet. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. I sometimes create swirls in the potatoes with a fork for a prettier presentation.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the mixture is bubbly. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want the potatoes to burn!
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the mixture to set slightly. I usually serve it straight from the skillet, but you can also scoop it onto plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This ground beef skillet is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some suggestions.
For a light meal:A simple green salad with a vinaigrette. The acidity of dressing cuts through the richness of the skillet.
What is a hearty meal? Crusty bread or rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce. I love serving it with a side of garlic bread.
For a Vegetable Side: Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. Adds a healthy dose of greens to the meal.
For Dessert: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of apple pie. The perfect way to end a comforting meal.
My family loves having this with a simple side salad. It’s the perfect complement to the richness of the ground beef skillet. And honestly, sometimes we just eat it as is – it’s that satisfying!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Skillet
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make your ground beef skillet even better:
Ground Beef: Use a good quality ground beef with a decent amount of fat (80/20 is my preference). The fat adds flavor and keeps the beef moist. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables. If using fresh vegetables, you may need to cook them a bit longer to ensure they are tender.
Mashed Potatoes: Use Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest mashed potatoes. Don’t overmix the potatoes, or they will become gluey. Add milk and butter gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Worcestershire sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Cheese: Adding shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes is optional, but it adds a nice cheesy flavor. You can also use other cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Baking: Bake the skillet until the potatoes are golden brown and the mixture is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If the potatoes start to brown too quickly, you can cover the skillet with foil.
One time I accidentally added too much milk to the mashed potatoes, and they were too runny. I fixed it by adding a tablespoon of instant mashed potato flakes – worked like a charm! Also, if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a little soy sauce can work in a pinch. Just use it sparingly!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This ground beef skillet is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator: Let the skillet cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the ground beef skillet. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat the ground beef skillet in the oven or in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place a portion of the skillet on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’re freezing it, I recommend not adding the cheese until after you reheat it. It tends to get a little weird when frozen and then reheated. Also, when reheating, you might need to add a splash of beef broth or water to the beef mixture to keep it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This ground beef skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a pan. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, warms the soul, and makes everyone feel a little bit better. It’s easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious – what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for other comforting skillet meals, you might also like my chicken pot pie skillet or my taco skillet. Both are equally easy and satisfying! I truly hope you give this ground beef skillet a try. It’s a family favorite for a reason, and I think it will become one of yours too. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you try this recipe and how it goes, I’d love to read your opinion!
Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 0.5 cup Chopped Bell Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Beef Broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
