Hearty Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty ground beef and potatoes simmer together in a mouthwatering comfort dish that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Russet potatoes create the perfect canvas for rich, seasoned meat.

Robust flavors meld seamlessly in this classic skillet creation.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal ingredients.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table with anticipation.

Simple yet satisfying, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

You’ll love how easily this one-pan wonder becomes an instant family favorite.

FAQs

  • Is ground beef healthy?

Ground beef provides essential protein, iron, and zinc. Choose lean cuts (90/10) to reduce saturated fat intake and maintain a balanced diet.

  • Can I use different potato types?

Yes, use russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes. Each variety offers unique texture and flavor. Dice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.

  • What herbs complement this dish?

Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary enhance the recipe’s flavor profile. Experiment with dried herbs for deeper taste complexity.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add mixed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas during cooking. These ingredients increase nutrient content and provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Reasons to Crave Ground Beef & Potatoes

  • Craft a Comfort Meal: This hearty dish delivers pure home-cooked satisfaction with simple ingredients that transform into a delicious one-pan wonder perfect for satisfying hunger.
  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Minimal preparation steps and basic kitchen skills make this recipe accessible for beginners and busy home cooks who want a nutritious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Ground beef and potatoes are affordable proteins that create a filling meal without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for families watching their grocery expenses.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe adapts easily to different taste preferences by allowing optional seasonings and potential vegetable additions, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Essential Ingredients for Ground Beef & Potatoes

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this classic dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, savory base flavor to the recipe.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and create a satisfying, filling meal.
Seasonings and Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Paprika: A warm spice that adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the ground beef and potatoes.
  • Beef Broth: An optional liquid that adds extra moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a light, herbal note.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used to sauté the vegetables and brown the ground beef.

How to Make Ground Beef & Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pan

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious skillet, setting the heat to medium. Let the oil shimmer and spread across the cooking surface.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the vegetables become translucent and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with no pink remaining.

Step 4: Add Hearty Potato Chunks

Mix in diced potatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the skillet. Gently stir and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften and absorb the delicious meat flavors.

Step 5: Season and Enhance Flavor

Sprinkle in:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly across the dish.

Step 6: Optional Moisture Boost

Pour beef broth into the skillet to create a more succulent and flavorful mixture.

This step adds extra depth and prevents the dish from becoming dry.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Chop fresh parsley and scatter it over the top of the ground beef and potato skillet.

The bright green herbs will add a pop of color and fresh taste to your meal.

Insider Tips for Perfect Ground Beef & Potatoes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture and even cooking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning beef to keep the meal lighter and less greasy.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper, richer flavor profile.
  • Sprinkle grated cheese on top before serving for extra creaminess and indulgence.

Flavor Twists to Elevate Ground Beef & Potatoes

  • Vegetarian Potato Crumble: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute for a meatless version.
  • Spicy Southwest Skillet: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, and taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired taste.

Serving Ideas with Ground Beef & Potatoes

  • Cozy Family Dinner Plate: Serve this hearty beef and potato skillet alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that fills everyone's belly with warmth.
  • Loaded Comfort Bowl: Top the skillet with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and extra chopped parsley to create a rich, indulgent one-pot wonder.
  • Quick Lunch Wrap: Spoon the beef and potato mixture into warm tortillas, add some fresh lettuce and a splash of hot sauce for a portable, delicious lunch option that's perfect for busy days.
  • Rustic Breakfast Hash: Transform leftovers into a morning meal by frying the mixture until crispy and topping with a sunny-side-up egg for a protein-packed start to the day.

Storage Tips for Ground Beef & Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the dish completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Separate portions into smaller containers for easier reheating and to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze the ground beef and potatoes for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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Hearty Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables across America. Home cooks savor this simple, satisfying meal that combines seasoned meat with creamy potato layers.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) paprika
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
  3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking for 5-7 minutes until completely browned and no pink remains.
  4. Incorporate diced potatoes into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution and coating with existing oils and meat juices.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet, allowing potatoes to steam and soften for approximately 12-15 minutes.
  6. Gently stir the mixture every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
  7. Sprinkle salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and paprika across the skillet, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings.
  8. Optional: Pour beef broth to enhance moisture and create a richer flavor profile, stirring to incorporate.
  9. Once potatoes reach tender consistency and can be easily pierced with a fork, remove from heat.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for a kick.
  • For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, which reduces fat content.
  • Ensure potatoes are cut into uniform small cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutritional value and create a more complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jack Monroe

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.

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