This Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is a quick, budget-friendly, and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a flavorful skillet meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Customize it with veggies, spices, or cheese for added variety, and enjoy it as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sides.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
- 1 tsp paprika or chili powder
Directions
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring often, until they start to turn golden but remain firm.
- Cook the Beef:
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet.
- Add the ground beef to the empty space and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Cook:
- When the beef is nearly cooked, mix it with the potatoes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth (or water) to help the potatoes finish cooking.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Check if the potatoes are fork-tender; if not, cook for a few more minutes.
- Add any optional ingredients like diced bell peppers or mixed veggies at this stage.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese or fresh herbs.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 900mg
Enjoy this delicious and customizable skillet meal that brings together the simple yet irresistible combination of ground beef and potatoes!
Why This Recipe Is a Favorite
There are several reasons why this dish has become a staple in many households:
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward preparation and minimal cleanup, this skillet meal is ideal for those with limited time.
- Affordable Ingredients: Ground beef and potatoes are budget-friendly staples, making this recipe economical without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Base: The basic combination of beef and potatoes serves as a foundation that can be enhanced with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices.
- Comforting and Filling: The hearty nature of this dish makes it a satisfying option for any meal, from dinner to a late-night snack.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe is approachable and consistently rewarding.
Nutritional Highlights
This recipe strikes a balance between flavor and nourishment, providing essential nutrients in every serving:
- Protein-Packed: Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Carbohydrates: Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that offer sustained energy throughout the day.
- Healthy Fats: Using lean ground beef and olive oil helps keep the fat content balanced while delivering essential fatty acids.
- Fiber Boost: Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mixed greens enhances the fiber content, supporting digestion and overall health.
By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients, this dish offers a well-rounded meal that fits into various dietary plans.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the standout features of this recipe is its adaptability. You can modify it to suit your dietary needs, taste preferences, or what you have in your pantry. Here are some popular variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian twist.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables such as carrots, peas, spinach, or zucchini to enhance both the flavor and nutritional value.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet during the final few minutes of cooking for a creamy, melty finish.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy version of this dish.
- Herbal Touch: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or cilantro to add a burst of freshness.
These variations make it easy to tailor the dish to your preferences, ensuring it never becomes boring.
Cooking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results, keep these tips in mind when preparing the Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Waxy varieties like red or Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape well during cooking, while russet potatoes create a softer texture.
- Brown the Beef Properly: Allow the ground beef to sear before stirring to develop a richer flavor. If using lean ground beef, add a bit more oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook in Layers: Sauté the potatoes first to ensure they’re evenly browned before combining them with the beef and other ingredients.
- Control the Moisture: Use beef broth or water sparingly to avoid making the dish too soupy. The goal is to lightly steam the potatoes for tenderness.
- Season Generously: Potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning, so don’t be afraid to adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your taste.
Following these tips ensures your dish is flavorful, well-cooked, and visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
While the Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is delicious on its own, it can also be paired with sides and garnishes to enhance the meal:
- Fresh Salad: A side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the skillet meal.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Eggs for Breakfast: Top the skillet with a fried or poached egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy element by serving with pickled onions or gherkins.
- Sauces and Dips: Pair with ketchup, hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
These serving suggestions add variety and turn this simple recipe into a complete dining experience.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Busy Lifestyles
The Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is particularly suited for individuals and families with busy schedules. Its one-pan preparation means minimal cleanup, while the quick cooking time ensures you can have a hot, home-cooked meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Additionally, the dish can be doubled or tripled for meal prep, making it a practical choice for batch cooking and reheating.
Ideal for Meal Prep
This recipe isn’t just quick to make—it’s also perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to make it work:
- Prepare in Advance: Cook the entire dish and divide it into individual portions. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheating Tips: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal prepping with this recipe ensures you always have a satisfying, homemade meal ready to go.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is a timeless classic that combines simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Its hearty ingredients and easy preparation make it a reliable option for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prep. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this dish delivers a comforting, satisfying experience every time.
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Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Description
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is a quick, budget-friendly, and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a flavorful skillet meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Customize it with veggies, spices, or cheese for added variety, and enjoy it as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
- 1 tsp paprika or chili powder
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring often, until they start to turn golden but remain firm.
- Cook the Beef:
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet.
- Add the ground beef to the empty space and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Cook:
- When the beef is nearly cooked, mix it with the potatoes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth (or water) to help the potatoes finish cooking.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Check if the potatoes are fork-tender; if not, cook for a few more minutes.
- Add any optional ingredients like diced bell peppers or mixed veggies at this stage.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese or fresh herbs.
- Category: Dinner
