Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole that promises warmth on chilly evenings.
My grandmother’s secret recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal everyone craves.
Tender potatoes nestle between layers of seasoned meat, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Robust and filling, this dish comes together quickly with just a few pantry staples.
Rich, savory notes dance across each forkful, promising a memorable dining experience.
Smart home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.
We bet you’ll want seconds of this irresistible skillet classic that feels like a hug on a plate.
Storage Tips For Ground Beef And Potatoes
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and dietary preference.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and check that no cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the quantity or omit them completely if you prefer a milder version. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or include some hot sauce.
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simply reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Ground Beef And Potatoes Highlights
Ingredients For Ground Beef And Potatoes
For the Protein:For the Starchy Base:For the Aromatics and Spices:For the Optional Garnish and Toppings:For the Cooking Fat:How To Prepare Ground Beef And Potatoes
Step 1: Sizzle Potatoes to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become tender.
This should take about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the potatoes to a separate plate and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Using the same skillet, add ground beef and cook it down, breaking the meat into small, even pieces as it sizzles. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Vegetables
Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and release their tantalizing fragrance, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Spice Up the Mixture
Sprinkle in an exciting blend of spices:Stir these spices thoroughly to coat the beef and create a rich, complex flavor profile.
Step 5: Reunite Potatoes and Beef
Return the golden potatoes to the skillet, gently mixing them with the seasoned beef to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving.
Tips For Ground Beef And Potatoes Success
Flavor Variations For Ground Beef And Potatoes
Best Pairings For Ground Beef And Potatoes
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Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Mexican shepherd’s pie elevates classic comfort food with seasoned ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes. Hearty layers of savory meat and smooth potato topping create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for richness or 90/10 for a leaner option)
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet preferred)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, carefully arranging diced potatoes to create an even layer for uniform browning.
- Sauté potatoes until they develop a golden crisp exterior and become fork-tender, approximately 10 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, introduce ground beef and break it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic qualities for 2-3 minutes.
- Enhance the meat mixture with a robust blend of seasonings: smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently fold the previously cooked golden potatoes back into the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring every ingredient is evenly distributed and thoroughly combined.
- Complete the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions as a vibrant garnish, and optionally top with shredded cheese for added richness.
Notes
- Always use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent potatoes from sticking and ensure even browning.
- Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the dish.
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor and juiciness.
- Try different spice combinations like smoked paprika, adding chipotle powder for extra smoky heat or using dried herbs like thyme for depth.
- For low-carb variations, substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to create a similar satisfying texture.
- Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to create a lighter, healthier version of the recipe without sacrificing taste.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure everything cooks smoothly and efficiently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe
Founder & Recipe Innovator
Expertise
Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food
Education
Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education
Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.