Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple to make and totally satisfying? Ground Beef and Potatoes is the answer! This dish brings together tender ground beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a medley of savory seasonings, making it a one-pan wonder that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or making a meal to share with friends, this easy recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Potatoes

Hearty and Filling: Ground beef provides plenty of protein, while potatoes bring a comforting, starchy element that makes this dish both satisfying and substantial.

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and one skillet, this meal is on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just want something easy to cook.

Flavor-Packed: The combination of savory beef, garlic, onion, and the subtle sweetness of the potatoes creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in the same pan, which means fewer dishes to clean up after dinner. You can’t beat that!

Customizable: Add in your favorite veggies, spices, or toppings to make it your own. You can easily switch up the seasonings or swap in different types of potatoes to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this cozy, one-pan meal:

• Ground Beef: The base of the dish, providing protein and a savory flavor.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. They cook tender and have a nice balance of starch and creaminess.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the dish that irresistible aromatic base.
• Bell Pepper: Optional, but adds a bit of sweetness and color to the dish.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and ground beef.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness to the dish and helps to cook the potatoes. You can substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. These bring out the depth of flavor and make the dish pop.
• Cheese (optional): Shredded cheddar or mozzarella adds a melty, gooey topping to the dish that everyone will love.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this simple yet delicious meal:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, stirring them to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the beef broth and add the seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme). Stir everything together, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Combine the Beef and Potatoes

Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture and cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the ground beef and potatoes hot, either on its own or with a side salad or veggies. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and full with just one bowl.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 22g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 35%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes

With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great, refreshing side to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes.

Topped with Sour Cream or Guacamole: Add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of guacamole on top for a creamy, flavorful finish.

With Crusty Bread: Serve with a piece of warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth or bits of flavor.

For Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping in advance. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, and top with fresh cheese for an added melty touch.

Additional Tips

• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a few chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• Make it Crispy: After everything is cooked through, press the mixture into the skillet and let it cook for a few extra minutes without stirring for crispy edges.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Simply reheat and serve.

Q2: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A2: Yes! Sweet potatoes would add a slightly sweeter flavor and are a great alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they might cook a bit faster.

Q3: Can I freeze this meal?
A3: Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to eat.

Q4: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A4: You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.

Q5: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A5: Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking for best results.

Q6: Can I add cheese to this?
A6: Yes! A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top is a great addition. Cheddar or mozzarella works wonderfully.

Q7: Can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Definitely! Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce to spice things up.

Q8: What other seasonings can I add?
A8: You can experiment with spices like oregano, cumin, or chili powder for a more complex flavor profile.

Q9: Can I use other types of meat?
A9: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork would work great in this recipe as alternatives to beef.

Q10: Can I add beans to this dish?
A10: Absolutely! Black beans or kidney beans would be a great addition for extra fiber and protein.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is the kind of meal that’s both comforting and satisfying—perfect for busy nights or when you want a cozy meal that everyone will love. With simple ingredients, tons of flavor, and just one pan to clean, it’s a no-fuss recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your skillet and get cooking—it’s time to enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s full of flavor!

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