Ground Beef with Potatoes is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines hearty ground beef with tender potatoes. This one-pan meal is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or seasonings for a personalized touch.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, or your favorite spices)
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, peas, or carrots
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened.
- Add the Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and your choice of seasonings. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
- Optional Vegetables: If adding vegetables, stir them in during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Enjoy hot as a standalone meal or with a side of crusty bread or salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 4-6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in diced zucchini, green beans, or corn for added nutrients.
- Cheesy Twist: Top with shredded cheese in the final minutes and let it melt.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
2. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
It’s optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling is fine if preferred.
3. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes are great choices for this recipe.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or lentils.
5. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding potatoes and stir occasionally. Adding a bit more oil can help.
6. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
7. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a side salad, steamed veggies, or bread for a complete meal.
8. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just add them directly to the skillet during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
9. How do I add more flavor?
Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a splash of beef broth for extra depth.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your seasonings are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Ground Beef with Potatoes is a versatile and hearty dish that’s easy to make and adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is a reliable choice. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal!
PrintGround Beef with Potatoes
This hearty and comforting dish combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes, making it a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple, flavorful, and requires minimal ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in the beef broth or water. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve this dish on its own, or pair it with rice or a simple green salad.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.