This Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is the perfect comfort food—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. The ground beef is seasoned with savory spices and combined with tender, golden potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this dish is both easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Hearty & Filling: Ground beef and potatoes make for a satisfying combination that will keep you full.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses common pantry ingredients, making it an affordable and delicious option.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to meal when you’re short on time.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or your preferred variety)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring spoons
- Pot for boiling potatoes (if needed)
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Season and Combine
- Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet, and toss everything together to coat the potatoes with the seasonings and beef.
Step 5: Add Liquid and Simmer
- Pour in the beef broth (or water) and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to absorb and the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions This Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is a complete meal on its own but can be served with a simple side salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread for added texture.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they break down slightly and absorb the flavors well. However, you can use Yukon Gold or other varieties.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning to give the dish your unique touch.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the mix.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. You may need to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare and cook everything ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Conclusion: Simple, Hearty, and Delicious! This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a comforting, no-fuss meal that brings together tender potatoes and flavorful ground beef. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and a great dish for the whole family. Whether you’re craving something filling for dinner or want a tasty meal that requires minimal ingredients, this one’s sure to hit the spot!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 400
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make ground beef and potatoes dish!
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Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is the perfect comfort food—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. The ground beef is seasoned with savory spices and combined with tender, golden potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this dish is both easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or your preferred variety)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Season and Combine
- Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet, and toss everything together to coat the potatoes with the seasonings and beef.
Step 5: Add Liquid and Simmer
- Pour in the beef broth (or water) and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to absorb and the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they break down slightly and absorb the flavors well. However, you can use Yukon Gold or other varieties.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning to give the dish your unique touch.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the mix.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
