Ground Beef and Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a complete meal in one pan. The ground beef is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a savory base, while the potatoes provide a hearty and filling component. The dish is versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and additions, such as vegetables or cheese. It’s an affordable and easy-to-make recipe, yet it delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for some heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice)

• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions

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

Directions

1. Cook the potatoes: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and slightly tender. Remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside.

2. Brown the ground beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.

3. Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

4. Season the beef mixture: Stir in the paprika, oregano, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and let the spices cook for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors.

5. Add the potatoes: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together to combine. Add the beef broth (or water) to the pan and stir again. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully tender and have absorbed the flavors of the spices.

6. Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and any optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

7. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, delicious meal!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or spinach to the dish for extra nutrients and color. Add them along with the onions and garlic.

• Make it spicy: Increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Cheese version: Stir in some shredded cheese toward the end of cooking, allowing it to melt into the beef and potatoes for extra creaminess.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish.

• Sweet potato twist: Swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the mixture. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Simply cook them in the skillet as you would with fresh potatoes, though they may take a little longer to crisp up.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes! You can stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella toward the end of cooking for a cheesy version. Alternatively, you can top each serving with cheese and let it melt before serving.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

If you like more heat, you can increase the chili powder, add cayenne pepper, or toss in fresh diced chilies like jalapeños.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish also makes great leftovers and reheats well.

Can I make this without beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Serve it over rice or quinoa to make the meal even heartier. You can also add a side salad or sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a flavorful, filling, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices makes it a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, and toppings. It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!

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