This hearty and satisfying Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe delivers comfort food at its finest. Combining tender, seasoned ground beef with perfectly cooked potatoes in a savory sauce, this one-pan meal brings together simple ingredients to create something truly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or looking for a budget-friendly dinner option, this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe never fails to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe stands out for its incredible versatility and ease of preparation. The dish comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze while maximizing flavor development. The combination of protein-rich ground beef and filling potatoes creates a complete meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites. What makes this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe particularly appealing is how the potatoes absorb all the savory flavors from the beef and seasonings, creating layers of taste in every bite.
The recipe uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it perfect for families on a budget. Despite its simplicity, the depth of flavor achieved through proper seasoning and cooking techniques rivals more complex dishes. This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe also scales easily, whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor and moisture)
Potatoes
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
Onion Mixture
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional but recommended)
How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the russet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking throughout the dish. Rinse the diced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step prevents the potatoes from becoming gummy and helps them achieve better browning.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Cook Potatoes Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the dried potato cubes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes develop a golden-brown crust on multiple sides. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef In the same pan, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. The beef should develop some crispy edges for added texture and flavor. Drain any excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Step 4: Add Aromatics Push the ground beef to one side of the pan and add the chopped onion to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Mix the onion and garlic with the ground beef.
Step 5: Season and Add Sauce Sprinkle the paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The tomato paste should darken slightly and become fragrant, which concentrates its flavor.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer Pour in the beef broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These browned bits add tremendous flavor to the dish. Return the cooked potatoes to the pan, gently folding them into the beef mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 7: Final Touches Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a fluffy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties, which may become mushy.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Taking time to properly brown both the potatoes and ground beef creates layers of flavor through the Maillard reaction. This caramelization adds depth that can’t be achieved through simple boiling or steaming.
Control the Moisture: If the dish seems too dry during cooking, add beef broth or water one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too wet, remove the lid and cook uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Make It Your Own: This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe serves as an excellent base for variations. Consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables and color.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4-6 servings Difficulty Level: Easy Equipment Needed: Large skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, sharp knife, cutting board
This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe creates approximately 6 cups of finished dish, making it perfect for family dinners with leftovers for lunch the next day. The recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep purposes.
Notes
Ground Beef Selection: An 80/20 ground beef blend provides the best balance of flavor and moisture for this recipe. Leaner ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) can be used but may result in a slightly drier dish. If using leaner beef, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
Potato Variations: While russet potatoes are recommended, Yukon Gold potatoes can be substituted for a creamier texture. Sweet potatoes also work well and add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef.
Seasoning Adjustments: The seasoning amounts provided create a well-balanced dish, but feel free to adjust according to your family’s preferences. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika introduces a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Make-Ahead Option: This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe can be prepared up to one day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes for this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe? A: Fresh potatoes are strongly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen potatoes tend to become mushy and don’t brown as well as fresh ones. If you must use frozen potatoes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: How can I make this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe healthier? A: Use lean ground beef (93/7), reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon, and add extra vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also substitute half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version.
Q: What can I serve with this dish? A: This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe is complete on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, serve over rice or with dinner rolls.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? A: While possible, the slow cooker method won’t achieve the same depth of flavor from browning. If using a slow cooker, brown the beef and potatoes in a skillet first, then transfer to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from falling apart? A: Cut potatoes uniformly, don’t overcook them during the initial browning phase, and avoid excessive stirring once they’re added back to the pan. Russet potatoes should hold their shape well when cooked properly.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as the seasonings continue to meld together.
Freezer Storage: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some headspace for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Instructions: For refrigerated leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating is also acceptable; use 50% power and stir every minute until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same methods.
Meal Prep Tips: This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe is excellent for meal prep. Divide into individual portions in meal prep containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. The dish maintains its quality and flavor well when properly stored.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe represents the perfect intersection of simplicity, flavor, and satisfaction. By combining humble ingredients with proper cooking techniques, you create a dish that delivers both comfort and nourishment in every bite. The recipe’s flexibility allows for endless customization while maintaining the core elements that make it so appealing.
Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for a foolproof dinner option or an experienced home chef seeking a reliable family favorite, this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe delivers consistent results every time. The one-pan approach minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor development, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.
The beauty of this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe lies in its ability to transform simple, affordable ingredients into something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final dish, from the hearty potatoes that provide substance to the aromatic seasonings that tie everything together. With proper storage techniques, this recipe also serves as an excellent make-ahead option for meal planning and batch cooking.
Try this Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe tonight and discover why it’s destined to become a regular rotation in your meal planning. Your family will appreciate the comforting flavors and satisfying portions, while you’ll love the straightforward preparation and minimal cleanup required.