Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that balance flavor and texture. When I shop for this skillet, I always look for firm, waxy potatoes that hold their shape well during cooking. Ground beef with a little fat gives the sauce richness without being greasy. I also like to use a good-quality tomato paste and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Fresh onions and garlic are essential—they bring that homemade comfort right to the forefront. If you want to switch things up, ground turkey or plant-based mince work beautifully here, too.
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/plant-based alternative)
- 4 medium waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably no added sugar)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside, about 15-20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken.
- Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and fold them into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the potatoes and blend the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
