This Hearty Ground Beef Skillet straddles the line between two very different worlds. On the one hand, it’s clearly a home-cooking masterpiece, as heartwarming and filling as a skillet of savory ground beef and fresh vegetables can be. On the other hand, it’s also inspired by French cooking with its delicious richness, especially demonstrated in the red wine sauce and the tender, yet crisp, golden potato scales on top. By drawing from both worlds, this Hearty Ground Beef Skillet will cement itself as the tastiest dinner in your weekly rotation, and is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the skillet:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
- 1 1/4 cups dry red wine or reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can reduced-sodium beef broth
For the topping:
- 1 1/4 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- fresh parsley, optional, minced
Directions
Step 1 –In a 12-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 2 –Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.
Step 3 –Transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 4 –In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 5 –Add the onions, the carrots, the mushrooms, and the garlic and sauté until the onions are tender, about 4-6 minutes.
Step 6 –Stir in the flour and the Herbes de Provence and cook for 1 minute.
Step 7 –Stir in the wine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 8 –Cook the mixture for 1 minute, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the pan.
Step 9 –Add the cooked beef and the beef broth, then bring the mixture to a boil again.
Step 10 –Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
Step 11 –Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 30 minutes.
Step 12 –Transfer the skillet from the heat.
Step 13 –Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them.
Step 14 –Bring the potatoes to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Step 15 –Cook the potatoes at a simmer until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 16 –Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
Step 17 –Preheat the broiler.
Step 18 –Arrange the potatoes over the stew, overlapping slightly, and brush them lightly with the remaining olive oil.
Step 19 –Sprinkle the potatoes with the remaining salt and the remaining pepper.
Step 20 –Sprinkle the parmesan on top of the potatoes.
Step 21 –Broil the skillet about 5-6 inches from the heat until the potatoes are lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 22 –Let stand for 5 minutes.
Step 23 –Sprinkle with the parsley and serve.
