Ground Beef and Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef with tender potatoes in a savory, satisfying meal. This dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavors that everyone in the family will love. Whether you make it in a skillet for a quick weeknight dinner or prepare it in a slow cooker for an easy, hands-off meal, Ground Beef and Potatoes is versatile and filling. It’s the perfect combination of protein and carbs, making it a one-pan wonder that’s easy to customize with your favorite spices and veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a classic comfort food that’s both filling and budget-friendly. The savory beef and soft potatoes are seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, creating a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing you to use ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and it can be made in under an hour! The best part? It’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable with different vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
1 cup beef broth (or water)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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

Directions

Cook the potatoes: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and tender. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add seasonings: Stir in the oregano, paprika, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to bloom and release their fragrance.
Combine the potatoes: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef mixture. Add the beef broth (or water) to the pan and stir well. Let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The broth will reduce and coat the potatoes and beef in a savory sauce.
Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Enjoy: Serve hot as a standalone meal, or pair with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, peas, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or diced jalapeños for some extra heat.
Cheesy version: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the dish and let it melt in the skillet for a cheesy twist.
Use sweet potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier option.
Use ground turkey or chicken: If you prefer a leaner meat, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes in place of fresh potatoes. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the diced potatoes, spices, and beef broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

3. How can I make this dish healthier?

You can make this dish healthier by using lean ground turkey or chicken, reducing the amount of oil used, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more fiber.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve, making it perfect for meal prep.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this Ground Beef and Potatoes dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

6. Can I make this dish without beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

7. How do I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a fresh kick.

8. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish is perfect on its own or served with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

9. Can I make this dish in the oven?

While the stovetop method is quicker, you can bake the mixture in the oven. After sautéing the ground beef and veggies, transfer everything to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

10. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, adding cheese like cheddar or mozzarella on top before serving will give it an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a classic comfort dish that’s easy to make, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and simple seasonings, this dish is both delicious and filling. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. You can easily customize it with different vegetables, spices, and meats to suit your taste, making it a versatile and go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy this comforting meal any day of the week!