There’s something truly comforting about potatoes and ground beef recipes, isn’t there? They remind me of cozy family dinners at my grandma’s house, where the smell of savory beef and earthy potatoes filled the air. This dish is a staple in my kitchen, especially on those busy weeknights when I just want something quick, delicious, and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s not only hearty but also brings everyone together around the table. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is a winner that never fails to please. So let’s dive into making this delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose a good quality beef for the best flavor. I love using lean ground beef!
- 4 medium potatoes, diced – I prefer russet potatoes for their fluffiness, but any variety will work.
- 1 onion, chopped – This adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes a huge difference; it adds that aromatic kick!
- 1 cup beef broth – Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps in browning the beef and sautéing the onions.
- Salt to taste – Always taste as you go to get the seasoning just right!
- Pepper to taste – Freshly ground pepper gives a lovely heat.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This is my secret weapon for adding a smoky flavor!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the ingredients, but not so hot that it smokes. Trust me, patience is key!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for your dish.
- Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this part; the browning adds a delicious depth!
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything well so the potatoes are coated in all those lovely flavors.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for around 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and keep an eye on the potatoes—they should be tender when you poke them with a fork.
- If they need more time, don’t hesitate to let them cook longer. Just keep testing for that perfect tenderness!
- Once everything’s cooked through and smelling amazing, it’s time to serve! Dish it out while it’s warm, and enjoy every bite.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to make sure your ground beef and potatoes dish turns out perfectly every time!
- Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush this step! Allow the ground beef to get a nice golden color, which adds incredible flavor to the dish. If you crowd the pan, it might steam instead of brown, so cook in batches if needed.
- Check Potato Tenderness: When testing the potatoes, use a fork. If it slides in easily, they’re ready! If not, give them a few more minutes. You want them tender but not mushy!
- Mix in Extra Veggies: Feel free to get creative! Carrots, peas, or bell peppers can be added for extra color and nutrition. Just chop them small so they cook through in the same time as the potatoes.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Always taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this hearty ground beef and potatoes dish. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains around 350 calories, 20g of fat (with 8g saturated fat), and 20g of protein. You’ll also get about 30g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a filling meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you energized!
Serving Suggestions
This ground beef and potatoes dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with some simple sides to round out your meal! I recommend serving it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette for a nice crunch and brightness. A side of warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up the delicious juices. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some roasted veggies for an extra pop of flavor and color on your plate. Enjoy your meal with family or friends, and watch how quickly it disappears!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect potatoes and ground beef recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be great substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they might vary slightly.
What if my potatoes aren’t cooking through?
If your potatoes are still firm after the simmering time, just let them cook a little longer. Make sure to check for tenderness by poking them with a fork.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just make sure to cook it on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, peas, or corn for extra color and flavor. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly with the potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you—yay!
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of beef, potatoes, and spices creates a rich, hearty dish that’s utterly satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or tweak the seasonings to match your taste.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to meal that everyone will enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten ground beef and potatoes into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. No one wants cold spots, right? Enjoy your meal again with all that delicious flavor intact!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your ground beef and potatoes dish turns out! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any twists you made. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so let’s inspire each other!
Taco soup with ground beef is another great recipe to try!
Hearty family dinners can be made with similar ingredients.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious alternative for comfort food!
Potatoes and Ground Beef Recipes: 7 Easy Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and tasty recipe for ground beef and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned.
- Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check potatoes for tenderness. Cook longer if needed.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef for better flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: potatoes and ground beef recipes
