Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor? This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or whenever you need some comfort food. Follow this detailed guide to create a delicious dish your whole family will love. Read on to discover the full recipe, along with tips, tricks, and everything you need to know to master it.
What is Ground Beef and Potatoes?
Ground Beef and Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish made from ground beef cooked with hearty potatoes and seasoned to perfection. Often combined with onions, garlic, and various spices, this one-pan meal delivers bold flavors with minimal ingredients. It’s a versatile recipe, meaning you can tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand in the kitchen. Whether you like your dish with a bit of spice, more veggies, or even topped with cheese, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to prepare this tasty dish!
Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup beef broth (optional for extra moisture)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Potatoes (for Variations)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (like carrots, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for a deeper, savory flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for a smoky taste)
- ¼ cup sour cream (to make the dish creamier)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (for a tangy twist)
- Cooked bacon bits (for extra flavor and crunch)
- Hot sauce (if you prefer more heat)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Ground Beef and Potatoes is how adaptable it is. You can substitute ingredients or add variations based on dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:
- Ground Beef: If you don’t have ground beef on hand, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Potatoes: While russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, you can swap them for sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or even fingerling potatoes for a different texture and flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a popular choice, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a unique taste.
- Broth: Beef broth adds moisture and flavor, but you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water if you prefer.
- Spices: Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to create your desired flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing, peeling (if necessary), and dicing your potatoes into small cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet, and add the diced onion and minced garlic to the other side. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Potatoes: Stir the potatoes into the skillet, mixing them well with the ground beef and onions.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, thyme (or oregano), and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Optional: Add Broth: If the mixture seems dry or you want extra moisture, pour in the beef broth. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Optional: Add Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness, and serve hot.
How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat the Skillet: Always start with a hot skillet. A preheated pan helps to evenly cook the meat and prevents sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef Properly: Make sure to break the ground beef into small pieces as it browns to ensure even cooking. Stir it frequently, but allow the beef to brown before stirring for optimal flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until they’re tender but not mushy. If you want them extra crispy, you can fry them separately and mix them in at the end.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste your dish as you cook and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to your preference. It’s easier to add more seasoning than to correct an over-seasoned dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the Potatoes: Ensure your potatoes are fully cooked before serving. If they are still firm, keep simmering them until tender.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Overcrowding can cause the ingredients to steam instead of brown. Use a large enough skillet or cook in batches to avoid this.
- Using Too Much Liquid: While adding broth is optional, too much liquid can make the dish soggy. Use just enough to keep it moist without turning it into a stew.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: Ground beef can release a lot of fat. Drain excess fat after browning the meat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Ground Beef and Potatoes is a rustic dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look appetizing. You can elevate its presentation with a few simple techniques.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Family-Style: Serve directly from the skillet for a casual, homey feel.
- Plated: Scoop a generous portion onto individual plates, garnishing with parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- With Sides: Serve alongside a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Layered in a Casserole Dish: If you add cheese, consider baking the dish in the oven for a golden, bubbly top. Serve it directly from the casserole dish for an impressive, family-style meal.
- Topped with an Egg: For a breakfast twist, add a fried egg on top of each serving. The runny yolk adds richness and looks visually appealing.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives over the top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality beef will enhance the flavors of your dish.
- Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet: Cast iron provides even heat distribution and adds a nice crust to the potatoes.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking.
- Make Ahead: You can prep this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It also makes great leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Ground Beef and Potatoes ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
2. Can I freeze Ground Beef and Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. How do I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, opt for lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach.
4. Can I use leftover potatoes?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked potatoes can be added during the final cooking stages. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they won’t need as long to cook.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Potatoes is a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and savory seasonings makes for a winning meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and variations – the sky's the limit with this comforting dish! Try this recipe today, and your family will be asking for it again and again. Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is an easy, comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With a mix of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and simple seasoning, it's a family-friendly dish. Ready in under an hour, it's both filling and flavorful. Great for those looking for a budget-friendly, one-pan meal! Keywords: ground beef recipe, beef and potatoes, easy dinner ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned.
- Stir in diced potatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Pour in beef broth, cover, and cook on medium-low for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir occasionally, then remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add veggies like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
- For a crispy finish, uncover the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
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