Ground Beef and Potatoes

Sizzling, savory, and incredibly satisfying, Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that brings together two pantry staples in perfect harmony. The rich, seasoned beef pairs beautifully with tender, golden potatoes, creating a hearty meal that’s both filling and flavorful. This classic combination has graced dinner tables for generations, offering a budget-friendly option that never sacrifices on taste. You’ll learn how to transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe stands out for its incredible versatility and family-friendly appeal. The contrast between the savory, browned ground beef and the creamy interior of the potatoes creates a textural masterpiece that keeps you coming back for another bite. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal prep work and cooking in just one skillet for easy cleanup.

The dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy, providing protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one delicious package. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this meal adapts to your needs without compromising on flavor. It’s also budget-conscious, making the most of affordable ingredients while delivering restaurant-quality taste that will impress everyone at your table.

The natural marriage of beef and potato flavors creates a comforting dish that somehow tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers that you’ll actually look forward to eating.

Ingredients

For this classic Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef
• 1½ lbs (680g) russet potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

The key to this recipe is using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for flavor without excess grease, and russet potatoes that hold their shape while becoming tender inside. The combination of spices adds depth without overwhelming the natural flavors of the beef and potato mixture.

Pro Tips

Prep Potatoes Properly: For the perfect texture in your Ground Beef and Potatoes, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps them get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Be sure to pat them completely dry before adding to the skillet to promote browning rather than steaming.

Brown in Batches: Never overcrowd your pan when cooking the ground beef. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, which creates a caramelized exterior that adds tremendous flavor to the final dish. Take your time with this step – it’s where much of the dish’s depth of flavor develops.

Layered Seasoning: Add seasoning in stages rather than all at once. Season the beef while cooking, then add another layer of spices when combining with potatoes. This creates complex flavor profiles throughout the dish rather than having all the seasoning concentrated in one component. This technique elevates a simple potato and beef skillet to a restaurant-quality meal.

Instructions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they begin to brown on the bottom. Stir and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until they’re golden on multiple sides but not yet fully tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain all but about 1 tablespoon from the pan.

Step 3

Add the diced onions to the beef and cook until they become translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced bell pepper and continue cooking for 2 minutes.

Step 4

Sprinkle the paprika, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the beef mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly with the spices and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

Step 5

Return the partially cooked potatoes to the skillet. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine with the beef and potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top, cover for 1-2 minutes until melted. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving your delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet.

Variations

Mexican-Style Ground Beef and Potatoes: Transform this dish with Latin flavors by adding 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander to the spice mix. Stir in a can of drained black beans during the final 5 minutes of cooking, and top with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving. This variation adds wonderful color and a refreshing twist to the classic beef and potato skillet.

Italian-Inspired Version: Create a Mediterranean flair by substituting Italian seasoning for the cumin and paprika. Add a cup of diced zucchini along with the bell peppers, and stir in ½ cup of marinara sauce instead of tomato paste. Finish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for a dish that brings together the hearty flavors of Italian cooking with the comfort of potatoes and ground beef.

Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of chopped mushrooms (portobello or cremini work best) and ½ cup of cooked lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add a tablespoon of soy sauce for umami depth. This creates a satisfying plant-based version that maintains the comforting essence of the original Ground Beef and Potatoes.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture, then warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months – portion into individual servings before freezing for easy weeknight meals.

Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, pair with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans that complement the savory flavors. This skillet meal also works beautifully as a filling for stuffed bell peppers – simply hollow out peppers, fill with the beef and potato mixture, top with cheese, and bake until peppers are tender.

For a breakfast twist, reheat leftovers and top with a fried egg – the runny yolk creates a delicious sauce that takes this versatile dish to another level. The Ground Beef and Potatoes also make an excellent filling for breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs and salsa.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work wonderfully and add a natural sweetness that complements the savory beef. They cook slightly faster than russet potatoes, so reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
For added heat, double the cayenne pepper, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper, or stir in 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce during the final few minutes of cooking.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Since it has less fat than beef, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to prevent it from drying out.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The basic Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth labels, as some brands may contain gluten-based ingredients.

Can I prepare components of this meal ahead of time?
Yes! You can dice the potatoes (store in cold water in the refrigerator), chop the vegetables, and even brown the beef in advance. Store everything separately, then combine and finish cooking when ready to serve for a quick weeknight meal.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potatoes is comfort food at its finest — simple, satisfying, and bursting with savory flavors that speak directly to the soul. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners when you need something reliable yet delicious, combining everyday ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for yourself, this versatile recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort. From its perfectly seasoned beef to its tender, golden potatoes, this one-skillet wonder proves that the most memorable meals often come from the simplest combinations.

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