If you’re hunting for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that always hits the spot, this Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe will soon become one of your most reached-for weeknight wonders. Every bite is satisfyingly hearty with juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, savory onion, and a sprinkle of herbs, all kissed by smoky paprika. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a simple meal prep star, you’ll love the way this one-pan comfort classic brightens up the dinner table using staples you already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe pulls its weight—there’s truly no filler here! These kitchen staples work together to coax out bold flavors, perfect texture, and homey aromas you simply can’t beat.
- Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, providing protein and savory richness—use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Russet Potatoes: When diced, these hold their shape and soak up flavor, bringing a buttery tenderness to every bite.
- Yellow Onion: Chopped and gently cooked, it adds sweetness and depth that anchors the dish.
- Garlic: Minced for aromatic punch, garlic infuses every spoonful with an irresistible, mouthwatering aroma.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting every savory note in this all-in-one skillet dinner.
- Black Pepper: Offers mild heat and earthy flavor, bringing balance to rich ingredients.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and a beautiful red hue—don’t skip out on this warming spice!
- Dried Thyme: A sprinkle goes a long way, lending lovely herbal notes to round out the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, this ingredient helps everything cook evenly and introduces extra richness.
- Beef Broth or Water: This liquid tenderizes the potatoes and mingles all the seasonings together—broth gives a little more depth if you have it.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled over the top, it adds color and a pop of freshness that makes the dish feel special.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks. After that, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant—you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell downright irresistible.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next up, add all your ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want the beef nicely browned and cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the flavor base becomes rich and savory!
Step 3: Season Like a Pro
Now it’s time to bring out those spices: sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to evenly coat the beef mixture. The combination of savory, herbal, and smoky notes will set this Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe apart from anything you’ve tried before.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the peeled and diced russet potatoes, making sure they nestle into the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth or water, which helps steam-cook the potatoes while mingling all those powerhouse flavors together. This step makes your kitchen smell like a cozy family dinner is just around the corner!
Step 5: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat down to low. Let everything simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, giving it a gentle stir every now and again. The potatoes will become meltingly tender while soaking up every ounce of beefy, herby goodness.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish
Remove the lid and let the mixture cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate. If you want a crispier finish, keep it uncovered a bit longer so the potatoes brown slightly. This adds a nice contrast of texture that everyone loves.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, scatter a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top (if you like). It brightens the dish and adds a pop of color, making it temptingly beautiful and extra inviting straight from the pan.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates the Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe faster than a final flourish. Chopped fresh parsley is a classic, bringing a spark of green and a subtle garden-fresh note. For extra flavor or a little indulgence, try a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or sliced scallions just before serving.
Side Dishes
This all-in-one skillet meal is plenty satisfying on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans adds freshness and color to your plate. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome for sopping up the flavorful juices too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider spooning the Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe into individual ramekins, topping each with cheese, then broiling for a melty crust. Or stuff the mixture into baked bell peppers for a vibrant, veggie-packed dinner that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. This dish reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture, making it a favorite for lunchboxes and quick weekday dinners.
Freezing
The Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe freezes very well! Cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers in single portions for easy thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating and the perfect cozy meal, every time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works perfectly in this Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe. You can swap it in directly and even add a bit more seasoning to boost flavor if you like.
What type Main Course
Russet potatoes are classic because they’re starchy and hold their shape well, but Yukon Gold or even red potatoes work in a pinch. If you want a sweeter flavor, sweet potatoes are an excellent substitute too.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas are all welcome additions. Just add them with the potatoes so they have plenty of time to become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors.
How do I make the potatoes crispier?
For extra crispy potatoes, uncover the skillet after simmering and cook over medium-high heat for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until you see golden, crusty bits—it’s an easy way to add texture.
Is this Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check your beef broth, as some brands can contain hidden sources of gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a welcoming, old-school favorite that never goes out of style, the Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is absolutely worth adding to your rotation. It’s hearty, flexible, big on flavor, and as comforting as it gets. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Print
Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting dish, this Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced potatoes are cooked with seasoned ground beef in a savory broth until perfectly tender, creating a flavorful and filling dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef and Potatoes:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Cook the onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Add potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes.
- Add broth: Pour in the beef broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish cooking: Uncover and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, uncover and cook a few more minutes to brown the potatoes.
- You can use sweet potatoes or ground turkey as variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
