If there’s one dish that brings both comfort and pure satisfaction to the dinner table, it has to be Ground Beef with Potatoes. This cherished skillet meal is a celebration of hearty flavors and rustic simplicity, featuring tender potatoes and perfectly seasoned ground beef in a savory, family-friendly sauté. It’s the kind of recipe that turns basic ingredients into something truly memorable, ensuring you always have a crowd-pleaser in your back pocket for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, every ingredient here counts. From the soft earthiness of potatoes to the flavorful punch of paprika, these simple picks deliver texture, color, and wholesome flavor—each one playing an essential role in building the comfort factor of Ground Beef with Potatoes.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a less greasy, protein-rich base that browns beautifully and absorbs all the seasonings.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash is enough to sauté the aromatics and give that subtle richness to the dish.
- Onion: Diced small so it practically melts into the beef, adding sweet undertones and depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of savory flavor that brightens every bite.
- Russet Potatoes: Their hearty and fluffy texture soaks up all the lovely juices without falling apart.
- Paprika: A pinch of this spice infuses a mild warmth and radiant color.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of earthy, Mediterranean-inspired aroma that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The classic duo that brings harmony and balance to all the flavors.
- Beef Broth or Water: Just enough moisture to simmer everything together until melding into perfection.
- Tomato Paste (optional): Stirring in a spoonful creates a lovely, subtle tang and helps thicken the sauce.
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh garnish at the end brings color and a gentle, herbal finish.
How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them soften for about three to four minutes, stirring occasionally. When that sweet onion scent fills your kitchen, add the minced garlic and give it another half-minute to bloom. This aromatic base lays the delicious groundwork for your Ground Beef with Potatoes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet. Break it up with your spatula and cook until all the meat is evenly browned, with no more pink remaining. If you notice excess fat pooling in the pan, feel free to drain it; this keeps your Ground Beef with Potatoes robust but not greasy.
Step 3: Bring in the Potatoes and Spices
Next, stir in those beautifully diced russet potatoes, tossing them gently with the beef. Sprinkle over the paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the optional tomato paste if you’re using it—don’t skip this step if you love a stew-like richness! Mix everything well, letting the spices coat every bit for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in your beef broth or water. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—they’re loaded with flavor! Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every so often, until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the lid and cook for another couple of minutes if there’s excess liquid lingering in the pan, allowing it to reduce to your desired consistency. Turn off the heat and shower the skillet with chopped parsley right before serving for a touch of freshness and color.
How to Serve Ground Beef with Potatoes
Garnishes
Some dishes just beg for those final, finishing touches, and Ground Beef with Potatoes is no exception! Try a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a scattering of thinly sliced green onions, or even a few turns of freshly cracked pepper. For an extra treat, pop a fried egg on top and watch the yolk mingle with the hearty skillet flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your Ground Beef with Potatoes with thick slices of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of saucy goodness, or serve alongside a crisp green salad if you’re after something lighter. Steamed peas or lightly roasted vegetables make colorful, nutritious companions you can whip up in no time.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take things up a notch? Spoon the beef and potatoes into individual ramekins and top with puff pastry circles for a playful spin on a pot pie. Or, load the mixture into soft taco shells for a filling twist on taco night. If you’re meal-prepping, portion it into containers and garnish each one for a vibrant, grab-and-go lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef with Potatoes stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors have a chance to mingle and get even cozier overnight, making the leftovers taste nearly as good as fresh!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date, and stash it in the freezer for up to three months without sacrificing much in taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks a little dry. Alternatively, microwave lightly covered until steaming hot. Stir once or twice to ensure even heating and freshness in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While russet potatoes hold their shape and soak up flavor beautifully, Yukon gold or red potatoes also work well and may add a slightly creamier texture to your Ground Beef with Potatoes.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written. Just double-check your beef broth label to ensure it doesn’t contain unexpected gluten if you have sensitivities.
What’s the best way to make it spicier?
If you crave heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes alongside the other spices or try a dash of hot sauce at serving time. Ground Beef with Potatoes is incredibly versatile when it comes to dialing up the spice.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Diced bell pepper, peas, carrots, or even corn stir in seamlessly and add color, sweetness, and extra nutrition. Sauté any firmer veggies with the onions right at the start for the best texture.
How can I make this a complete one-pan meal?
This dish stands well on its own, but tossing in extra veggies, or even a handful of chopped spinach near the end, rounds out the meal perfectly. Don’t forget: a fried egg on top makes Ground Beef with Potatoes feel downright gourmet!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Ground Beef with Potatoes enough for anyone looking for a comforting, foolproof dinner that always hits the spot. This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to time and again—easy enough for any night, yet deeply satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy how something so simple can feel so special at your table!
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Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef with tender potatoes, seasoned with paprika and oregano, creating a comforting one-pan meal perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb ground beef
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Onion:
1 small, diced
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced
Potatoes:
3 medium russet, peeled and diced
Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Oregano:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Beef Broth or Water:
1/4 cup
Tomato Paste (optional):
1 tablespoon
Garnish:
Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion: Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Saute Garlic: Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
- Brown Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add Potatoes & Seasonings: Stir in potatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste if using.
- Simmer: Pour in beef broth, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Reduce Liquid: Uncover and cook briefly to thicken if needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a fried egg or crusty bread.
- For added veggies, consider adding bell peppers or peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
