Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a timeless, comforting dish that combines hearty ground beef with tender potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or looking to feed a hungry crowd, this recipe is both budget-friendly and incredibly flavorful. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; it’s easy to make and can be adapted with a variety of seasonings and additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

With its savory, well-seasoned beef and tender, golden potatoes, this dish delivers a balance of textures and flavors that make it a family favorite. If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that’s both filling and delicious, Ground Beef and Potatoes is the recipe for you. This article will guide you through each step of preparing this comforting dish, offer tips for making it perfect every time, and share fun variations to keep things fresh.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like ground beef and potatoes, this dish is affordable and easy to prepare, making it perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks alike.
• Savory and Filling: The combination of ground beef and potatoes creates a well-balanced meal, providing both protein and carbs to keep you full and satisfied.
• One-Pan Meal: This recipe is cooked all in one pan, minimizing clean-up and making it the ideal choice for busy evenings when you want a hearty meal without too much fuss.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. The recipe is highly adaptable to suit your personal preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef and Potatoes:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20)
• 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by washing, peeling, and dicing the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. The size of the potatoes is important, as it affects the cooking time. If they are cut too large, they will take longer to cook. Set the diced potatoes aside.

Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. These will be added to the pan with the ground beef to build flavor and depth.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook the beef for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked. If there is any excess fat in the pan, drain it off to avoid the dish becoming too greasy.

Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant. The garlic should cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma but avoid burning.

3. Season the Beef Mixture

Once the onion and garlic are softened, season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder (if using). Stir the seasonings into the meat and onion mixture to ensure they are evenly distributed. These spices add a savory, herby flavor that enhances the richness of the beef and complements the potatoes.

4. Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pan with the ground beef mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated in the seasonings and beef juices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the potatoes to start browning slightly.

Next, pour in the beef broth or water. This will help cook the potatoes through and create a flavorful, savory base. Cover the pan with a lid and let the potatoes simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pan.

5. Finish the Dish

Once the potatoes are cooked through, check the seasoning and adjust with more salt, pepper, or additional spices to taste. If you prefer a richer, creamier texture, add a tablespoon of butter at this stage. Stir until the butter melts and incorporates into the mixture, giving the dish a smooth, silky finish.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the ground beef and potatoes are perfectly cooked and seasoned, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a touch of freshness and color.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Cut Potatoes Evenly: For even cooking, ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform pieces. This way, they’ll cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are too soft.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Season to taste! The dish is very customizable, so feel free to experiment with other spices such as chili powder, cumin, or rosemary to suit your taste preferences.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For best results, consider using a cast-iron skillet. The even heat distribution helps cook the beef and potatoes evenly, and it adds a nice sear to the potatoes for extra flavor.
• Try Adding Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables to your dish, consider stirring in some bell peppers, peas, or spinach. These will cook quickly and integrate well with the dish.
• Leftovers: This dish is great for meal prep or leftovers! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if the dish appears dry.

Variations of Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Spicy Ground Beef and Potatoes: For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic. The spice will add a nice kick to the savory flavors of the beef and potatoes.
• Ground Turkey and Potatoes: If you’re looking for a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey. You may want to add a little extra seasoning or a drizzle of olive oil, as turkey is a leaner meat and can sometimes lack the rich flavor of beef.
• Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top of the beef and potato mixture during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese, then serve.
• Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes: For a slightly sweeter and healthier version, substitute regular potatoes with diced sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory beef mixture.
• Crispy Ground Beef and Potatoes: If you prefer a crispy texture, try frying the diced potatoes separately in a pan until golden and crispy, then toss them in with the cooked ground beef mixture just before serving.

Storage and Shelf Life

Ground Beef and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the dish moist.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove until hot, or reheat in the microwave with a little liquid to prevent dryness.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Ground Beef and Potatoes

While Ground Beef and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, it pairs well with a variety of side dishes to round out your meal:

• Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the ground beef and potatoes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts would make excellent sides to add some color and nutrition to your meal.
• Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread will help you mop up any remaining savory juices from the dish.
• Steamed Broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli adds some green goodness and a mild crunch to contrast the tender beef and potatoes.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a dish that’s both simple and comforting, offering a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The hearty beef, tender potatoes, and flavorful seasonings come together to create a well-balanced, filling dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you need a comforting meal.

With the ability to customize the recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand, this dish is incredibly versatile and a great addition to any meal rotation. Whether you’re making it for the family, a casual gathering, or as part of your meal prep for the week, Ground

Beef and Potatoes will always deliver delicious results.Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a plate of this comforting, savory goodness tonight!