Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner everyone will rave about, Ground Beef with Potatoes is the answer! Imagine tender potatoes soaking up juicy beef in a skillet, infused with sweet onions, garlic, subtle spices, and a hint of tomato richness—it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour. This recipe truly shines whether you crave a simple family supper or a hearty dish that stretches a pound of beef into a real crowd-pleaser. There’s something about the down-home magic of ground beef and potatoes together that always guarantees smiles around the table!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Ground Beef with Potatoes recipe is its sheer simplicity—with each ingredient playing a starring role in the flavor show. From the hearty potatoes to the humble onion and that pop of bright green garnish, it’s proof that pantry basics come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts.

• 1 pound ground beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for juicy flavor and tenderness in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onions and potatoes get that golden sautéed edge.
• 1 small onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth—use yellow or white for classic flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the skillet with savory aroma and a gentle, mellow bite.
• 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced): Russets give you that creamy-meets-tender texture—dice them small for even cooking.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Lends smoky warmth and a dash of color.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides subtle earthiness that plays beautifully with beef.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a gentle herby lift that wakes up the whole skillet.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the savory flavors together.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a bit of zing and balances the potatoes.
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water: Keeps things moist, helps potatoes cook through, and deepens the flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional): For extra richness—stir it in if you want a subtle tomato note.
• Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: Sprinkling fresh herbs on top brightens and freshens up the final dish.

How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat up your favorite large skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Toss in those diced onions and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re soft and just starting to get a little golden. Now add the garlic—just 30 seconds will infuse the oil and build a savory foundation that carries through every bite.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, crumble in your ground beef and break it apart with the back of your spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for nicely browned bits—that’s flavor gold! If there’s excess fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off so you don’t end up with a greasy skillet.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Sprinkle those diced potatoes into the pan, followed by the paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mix well so every little potato cube gets a cozy blanket of seasoning, and if you’re going for extra depth, stir in the tomato paste at this stage.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Pour in your beef broth or water, give everything a good mix, and then cover the skillet. Drop the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Peek in and stir occasionally—the potatoes should end up fork-tender and soaks up the surrounding flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Reduce and Finish

Remove the lid and let the skillet cook for another 3 to 5 minutes uncovered. This helps any lingering liquid evaporate so you’re left with a thick, hearty filling. Taste and tweak with a sprinkle more salt or pepper if needed, then shower the top with fresh parsley or green onions.

How to Serve Ground Beef with Potatoes

Garnishes

A scattering of chopped parsley or green onion right before serving does wonders—brightening up the flavors and adding a fresh pop of green. If you want to amp things up, a dollop of sour cream, a shake of hot sauce, or even crumbled queso fresco will make each serving special.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef with Potatoes is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Tuck it into warm tortillas for a filling taco night, spoon it over fluffy steamed rice, or serve it alongside buttery scrambled eggs for an unforgettable breakfast hash. For extra veggies, pair with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing the savory mixture inside halved bell peppers, baking until bubbly, or serve it piled onto toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich. For a party-friendly twist, scoop spoonfuls into lettuce cups or fill savory hand pies—Ground Beef with Potatoes wins hearts in every style you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Ground Beef with Potatoes, lucky you! Just let it cool down, then pop it into an airtight container to stash in the fridge. It stays fresh and just as comforting for up to 4 days—perfect for stress-free lunches or bonus dinners.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer hero. Once cooled, portion Ground Beef with Potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to press out extra air. Frozen, it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when a make-ahead meal is calling your name.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Ground Beef with Potatoes gently in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water if it needs a little help loosening up. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover to keep it moist and zap in 1-minute bursts until hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely—yukon golds or red potatoes work wonderfully too! They tend to hold their shape a bit better and bring a slightly different texture, so use what you have or what you love.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love some heat, add a chopped jalapeño along with the onion, or stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne with the spices. It’ll turn the Ground Beef with Potatoes into a spicy, craveable skillet supper!

What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Great news—Ground Beef with Potatoes is naturally gluten-free, provided your broth and spices don’t contain hidden gluten. Always double-check ingredient labels if serving someone sensitive.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or even spinach make fantastic add-ins. Just chop them small and stir in when sautéing the onion, for a one-pan, veggie-packed twist.

Is it possible to make this with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can easily swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. You may want to add a dash more olive oil as leaner meats have less fat, and season generously to keep everything flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing quite as comforting as a skillet of Ground Beef with Potatoes—it’s the classic, soul-warming meal everyone needs in their back pocket. Whether you keep it traditional or jazz it up with fun twists, give this recipe a try and let its hearty, homey flavors win you over. I can’t wait for you to taste just how delicious the simple combination of ground beef and potatoes can be—enjoy every bite!

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