Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into small, uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Chop the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Season: Add paprika, cumin, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Optional Soy Sauce: For an extra depth of flavor, stir in the soy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
- Add Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Warm: Spoon the beef and potato mixture onto plates and serve warm. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Potato Skillet:
- Uniform Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform pieces to cook evenly.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the dish simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce further.
- Adding Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Rice: For a more filling meal, serve over cooked rice or quinoa.
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Aromatic Sauce is a comforting and hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender beef and potatoes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy!