Ground Beef and Potatoes

Ground Beef and Potatoes: A Hearty, Comforting Classic for Busy Nights 🥩🥔🔥

1. Introduction

Ground beef and potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that has been satisfying families for generations. This budget-friendly, one-pan wonder combines juicy ground beef with perfectly cooked potatoes to create a meal that’s both nutritious and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick dinner ideas or a college student needing a filling meal, this ground beef and potatoes recipe will become your new go-to dish.

What makes this recipe special is its incredible versatility. You can customize it with different spices, add vegetables from your fridge, or even turn it into a breakfast hash the next morning. The combination of protein-rich ground beef and fiber-packed potatoes makes this a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. Plus, it’s one of those rare dishes that tastes even better as leftovers!

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this ground beef and potatoes recipe is that you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean – this provides the perfect balance of flavor without being too greasy)
• 4 medium russet potatoes (these hold their shape better than waxy potatoes when cooked)
• 1 medium onion (yellow or white work best for this recipe)
• 2 cloves garlic (fresh minced garlic makes all the difference)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds wonderful depth if you have it)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme if available)
• ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground is ideal)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to your taste preferences)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided for cooking the beef and potatoes)
• ½ cup beef broth (you can substitute with chicken broth or water in a pinch)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds nice color and freshness)

Looking for more pantry-staple recipes? Check out our collection of easy dinner ideas that use simple ingredients.

3. Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. A cast iron skillet works particularly well for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The browning process (called the Maillard reaction) is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors in your ground beef and potatoes.

When the beef is about halfway cooked, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant (about 2 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off, but leaving about a tablespoon will help flavor the potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

While the beef is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Uniform size is important here so they cook evenly. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch – this prevents them from sticking together and helps them crisp up better. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of good browning!

If you’re looking for other great ways to use potatoes, try our sourdough discard monkey bread which makes a wonderful side dish.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the beef. Stir in the diced potatoes, making sure they’re well coated with the oil and beef juices. Now add your seasonings: paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. The paprika not only adds flavor but gives the dish a beautiful color. Mix everything thoroughly so all the potatoes get seasoned evenly.

This is where you can get creative with your seasonings. If you like a little heat, add some chili powder or red pepper flakes. For more herbaceous notes, try rosemary or oregano. The beauty of this ground beef and potatoes recipe is how adaptable it is to different flavor profiles.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Pour in the beef broth – it will create steam to help cook the potatoes and keep everything moist. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth or water to prevent sticking.

For the last 5 minutes, you can uncover the skillet if you prefer your potatoes with a slightly crispy exterior. This technique creates wonderful texture contrast in your ground beef and potatoes dish. According to Well Plated, letting the potatoes develop a slight crust adds another dimension of flavor.

4. Serving Suggestions

This ground beef and potatoes dish is delicious on its own, but here are some creative ways to serve it:

• Cheesy version: Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly
• With vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for added nutrition
• Breakfast style: Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast – check out our breakfast recipes for more ideas
• In wraps: Spoon into warm tortillas with some salsa and sour cream
• With bread: Pair with our fluffy sourdough buns to soak up the delicious juices

5. Variations

The basic ground beef and potatoes recipe is just the beginning. Here are some delicious ways to change it up:

• Shepherd’s Pie Style: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden
• Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with avocado
• Italian Version: Stir in marinara sauce and top with Parmesan cheese
• Loaded Potato Style: Top with bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms

6. Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day! To reheat:

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating
• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes covered with foil

This ground beef and potatoes recipe freezes exceptionally well for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy meals later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

7. Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 22g (great for muscle maintenance and repair)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (provides sustained energy)
• Fat: 19g (includes healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil)
• Fiber: 3g (aids digestion and keeps you full)
• Sugar: 2g (all natural from the vegetables)
• Iron: 15% DV (important for blood health)
• Potassium: 20% DV (supports heart function)

8. Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Potato selection: Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming tender inside
• Even cooking: Cut potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook at the same rate
• Don’t overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet to allow proper browning
• Rest time: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
• Texture control: For crispier potatoes, uncover for the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Make ahead: You can par-cook the potatoes to reduce final cooking time

If you enjoy cooking with basic ingredients, you might love our sourdough discard oatmeal cookies for dessert!

9. Conclusion

This ground beef and potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for those nights when you need something hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. It’s a complete meal in one pan that combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in perfect harmony. The savory ground beef pairs beautifully with the tender potatoes, while the aromatic spices tie everything together into a comforting dish that feels like home.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can dress it up for company or keep it simple for a weeknight dinner. It’s equally delicious served straight from the skillet or repurposed into other meals throughout the week. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.

We’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Visit our About page to learn more about our cooking philosophy, and don’t forget to check our disclaimer for important information about our recipes.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this ground beef and potatoes dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest – simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Give it a try tonight and discover why this humble combination has stood the test of time!

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