Ground Beef With Potatoes Recipe

Flavorful Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe Everyone Will Love

My mom’s classic ground beef with potatoes recipe delivers comfort on chilly evenings.

Every kitchen needs a reliable one-pan meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

Hearty ingredients combine for a simple yet delectable dinner solution.

Tender potatoes and seasoned meat create a perfect balance of flavors that feel like a warm hug.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal preparation.

Weeknight dinners become effortless when you can whip up something so delicious in under thirty minutes.

Dig into this satisfying meal that promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

What Makes Ground Beef with Potatoes a Go-To

What Makes Ground Beef with Potatoes a Go-To
  • A one-skillet ground beef and potato dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal.
  • Adaptable recipe that welcomes personal tweaks like adding different vegetables, spices, or protein variations to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Transforms humble ingredients like ground beef and potatoes into a delicious, hearty meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
  • Packed with protein from beef, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and essential nutrients from vegetables, creating a balanced one-pan dinner that fuels your body and delights your taste buds.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef with Potatoes

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish.
Potatoes:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds texture and bulk, best when diced into uniform pieces.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that create aromatic base and add depth to the flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste complexity.
Seasonings:
  • Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that bring depth and Southwest-inspired flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing taste.
Optional Additions:
  • Broth: Liquid that helps keep the dish moist and intensifies flavor.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Cilantro: Bright herbs that add fresh finish and visual appeal.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking mediums that prevent sticking and add richness.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes the Simple Way

How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes the Simple Way

Step 1: Crisp the Potatoes

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Toss diced potatoes into the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook until edges turn golden and potatoes become tender. Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Return skillet to heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until meat transforms from pink to rich brown color. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Create space in the skillet by pushing beef to one side. Drizzle additional oil and introduce:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced green bell peppers

Saute until vegetables soften and release their fragrant essence.

Step 4: Blend Flavors

Reunite potatoes with beef and vegetables. Sprinkle in:
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Moisten the Mixture

If skillet appears dry, splash broth into the pan. Let simmer briefly, allowing ingredients to merge and potatoes to reach perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Shower with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Present alongside rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Smart Tips for Ground Beef and Potato Meals

  • Master Potato-Beef Texture Trick: Par-cook potatoes separately to ensure they remain crispy outside and tender inside without becoming mushy during the main cooking process.
  • Drain Beef Fat Carefully: Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and enhance the overall flavor profile and healthiness of the meal.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder, paprika, and cumin quantities based on personal heat preference, allowing flexibility for mild or spicy flavor variations.
  • Quick Moisture Management: Keep broth on hand to prevent dryness, adding just enough liquid to create a perfect saucy consistency without overwhelming the ingredients.
  • Elevate Serving Versatility: Transform this one-pan meal by pairing with different sides like quinoa, cauliflower rice, or fresh salad to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable for various dietary needs.

Storing and Warming Up Beef and Potato Mixes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Transfer cooled ground beef and potatoes to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying and restore moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through completely.
  • Place portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Sides That Work with Ground Beef and Potatoes

  • Create a refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty meat and potato dish.
  • Select a medium-bodied red wine like Malbec or Tempranillo to complement the rich, spiced flavors of the ground beef and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Prepare a simple yogurt sauce with fresh herbs like dill or mint to provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the warm, seasoned skillet meal.
  • Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a complementary texture to the main dish.

Recipe Variations Using Beef and Potatoes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts down carbohydrates while maintaining the hearty texture and flavor of the original dish.
  • Vegetarian Bean Alternative: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, creating a protein-packed plant-based meal that keeps the spicy seasoning profile and vegetable components intact.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free spices and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add oregano and mint, and use lamb instead of beef to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-style skillet with rich, aromatic flavors.
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Ground Beef With Potatoes Recipe

Ground Beef With Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Ground Beef with Potatoes brings comfort straight from home kitchens, offering a rustic meal packed with savory flavors. Warm, satisfying ingredients blend perfectly to create a delightful dinner you’ll crave after a long day.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (optional, diced)

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup beef or chicken broth (optional, for moisture)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare potatoes by dicing them into uniform cubes for even cooking and quick softening in the skillet.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully distributing the heat to prevent burning.
  3. Gently introduce diced potatoes to the hot oil, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
  4. Once potatoes reach a desirable golden color and softness, transfer them to a separate plate, preserving their texture for later integration.
  5. Return the same skillet to the heat and introduce ground beef, methodically breaking it into small, uniform pieces to ensure thorough cooking.
  6. Monitor the beef as it browns, carefully draining excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish.
  7. Create space in the skillet and add remaining olive oil to sauté aromatic vegetables, including onions, garlic, and green bell peppers.
  8. Combine the cooked potatoes with the seasoned beef and sautéed vegetables, creating a harmonious mixture.
  9. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper across the mixture.
  10. If the mixture appears dry, introduce a small amount of broth to improve moisture and meld flavors.
  11. Allow the ingredients to simmer briefly, intensifying the overall taste and ensuring complete potato tenderness.
  12. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
  13. Serve immediately alongside rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread to complement the robust flavors.

Notes

  • Potato Prep Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and golden-brown crispy edges during cooking.
  • Fat Management: Drain excess beef fat to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, lighter dish that lets seasonings shine through.
  • Vegetable Flexibility: Swap bell peppers with zucchini, carrots, or jalapeños to customize heat and nutritional profile according to preference.
  • Protein Alternatives: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian variations that maintain similar flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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