Ground Beef and Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is a comforting and hearty meal that combines two crowd-pleasing ingredients in one savory skillet. The tender ground beef pairs perfectly with the soft, golden potatoes, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that can easily feed the whole family, this recipe delivers. The simplicity of the ingredients and ease of preparation make it a go-to for busy days, yet the flavors are rich enough to be a hit with anyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)

• 1 cup beef broth or water

• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

2. Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to soften and turn golden brown.

4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

5. Return the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.

6. Pour in the beef broth or water, and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

7. Once the potatoes are cooked, give everything a final stir. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 35-45 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can include other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

• Spicy Version: Add a bit of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even jalapeños to spice things up.

• Swap the Protein: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb for a different flavor.

• Herb Options: Experiment with herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy potatoes, make sure to cook them on medium heat and avoid over-stirring. Allow them to brown and soften before adding the other ingredients.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes. They will add a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made a day ahead. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they are soft when pierced with a fork or knife. They should also be golden brown around the edges.

Can I add cheese to the entire dish?

Yes, you can stir in cheese during the last few minutes of cooking or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.

What type of beef is best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef works best, but you can also use ground sirloin or ground chuck for a richer flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.

Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor.

Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a straightforward yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Its versatility in flavors and ingredients makes it easy to customize for your preferences, while the combination of savory beef and tender potatoes is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it with melted cheese on top or a medley of vegetables mixed in, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

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This Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is a comforting and hearty meal that combines tender ground beef with soft, golden potatoes, creating a satisfying and flavorful skillet meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or feeding the whole family.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
• Total Time: 35-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)

1 cup beef broth or water

½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to soften and turn golden brown.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Return the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6. Pour in the beef broth or water, and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Once the potatoes are cooked, give everything a final stir. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
• For a spicier version, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor.
• Experiment with herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a unique flavor profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• If using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, expect a slightly sweeter flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg