The Perfect Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty ground beef and potatoes offer a classic comfort meal that speaks directly to hungry souls craving something satisfying.

My grandmother first shared this simple yet delicious recipe decades ago.

Rustic kitchens across America have long celebrated such straightforward combinations of protein and starch.

Meat lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Home cooks understand the magic of turning basic pantry staples into something remarkable.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully filling, this recipe promises a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start cooking right now.

FAQs

• Is this dish budget-friendly?

Yes, ground beef and potatoes are affordable ingredients that make a hearty, filling meal without breaking the bank.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef with similar cooking methods.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your beef broth label to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten-based additives.

Hearty Ground Beef And Potatoes To Satisfy Hunger

• Satisfy Hunger Quickly: A hearty one-pan meal that fills empty stomachs with delicious, comforting flavors in just a few simple steps.
• Master Simple Cooking: Perfect for beginners who want to build kitchen confidence with straightforward techniques and minimal ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love this classic combination of ground beef and potatoes, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.

Ingredients For Ground Beef And Potatoes Skillet

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that serves as the hearty base of this dish.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and comforting texture to the recipe.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich, deep flavor foundation for the ground beef.
• Paprika: A warm spice that adds a subtle smoky undertone to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Beef Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the potatoes and adds extra depth to the flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that brings a bright, fresh note to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide For Ground Beef And Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir and brown the meat thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains visible.

Step 3: Enhance with Seasonings

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the seasonings into the meat, allowing them to blend and create a rich, savory base.

Step 4: Add Hearty Potatoes

Fold in diced potatoes and pour beef broth over the mixture.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the ingredients simmer gently. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes become fork-tender and absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Optional: Scatter freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and extra flavor. Transfer the hot, comforting dish directly to serving plates and enjoy immediately.

Tips For Perfect Ground Beef And Potatoes Every Time

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
• Use homemade beef broth for richer flavor, but store-bought works perfectly fine as a quick alternative.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or dried thyme to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help flavors meld and potatoes absorb seasonings more effectively.

Variations To Try With Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, and swap paprika for chili powder to create a zesty southwestern-style dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and replace beef broth with vegetable stock for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Ground Beef And Potatoes With Ease

• Hearty Family Dinner Plate: Serve this comforting ground beef and potato skillet alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings everyone together at the table.
• Rustic Shepherd's Style Presentation: Scoop the beef and potato mixture into individual ramekins, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and broil for a golden, crispy finish that elevates the dish.
• Wrapped Lunch Option: Pack the cooled mixture into warm tortillas or pita bread for a portable lunch that's perfect for work or school, adding extra freshness with some chopped lettuce or cucumber.
• Breakfast Remix: Transform leftovers by topping the beef and potato mix with a fried egg, creating a hearty morning meal that packs protein and flavor in every bite.

How To Store Ground Beef And Potatoes Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerated ground beef and potatoes maintain best texture when kept in shallow, sealed containers.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Hearty Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole emerges as comfort cuisine straight from grandma’s kitchen. Midwestern home cooks embrace this simple, satisfying meal you can master with classic ingredients and straightforward preparation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, diced

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquids and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté the aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef into the pan, crumbling the meat with a wooden spatula. Cook thoroughly until the beef transforms from pink to a rich brown color, ensuring no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper across the meat mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly and enhance the flavor profile.
4. Incorporate diced potatoes and pour beef broth into the skillet. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and allow the ingredients to simmer gently. Cook for 15-20 minutes, periodically checking potato tenderness with a fork.
5. Once potatoes reach a soft consistency and liquid has reduced, remove from heat. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and additional flavor. Transfer immediately to serving plates while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Always dice potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Customize the recipe by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition and flavor complexity.
• For a low-carb version, substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to maintain the hearty meal’s essence while reducing carbohydrate content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg