If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty meal that brings nostalgia and incredible flavor to your table, look no further than Ground Beef and Potatoes. This satisfying skillet dinner has all the makings of a weeknight legend: savory browned beef, tender chunks of potato, and just the right balance of spices, all crowned with a bubbly layer of cheese (if you wish!). It’s the kind of meal everyone looks forward to, simple enough for busy nights but always delicious enough for seconds. Trust me, Ground Beef and Potatoes will become one of those dishes your family requests on repeat.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe keeps things delightfully simple and straightforward. Each ingredient has a role in building layers of flavor, from comforting richness to subtle aromatic notes, and the end result is pure comfort in a skillet.

Ground beef (1 lb, 85% lean): Choose 85% lean for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A splash in the pan gives you a silky base for sautéing the aromatics and beef.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): The humble onion softens and sweetens, providing depth to the dish.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A quick cook with onion, garlic brings out a delicious savory punch.
Russet potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes): These are starchy and hearty, soaking up all the flavors as they cook.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for brightening all the flavors and seasoning the potatoes and beef perfectly.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings just the right amount of warmth.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives this Ground Beef and Potatoes dish a beautiful, subtle smokiness.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds fresh, herby notes that tie everything together.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For some gentle heat—skip or add to taste!
Beef broth or water (½ cup): This is the humble magic that steams the potatoes and keeps everything juicy.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For those melty, irresistible finishing touches (try Monterey Jack or mozzarella, too!).
Chopped fresh parsley: A simple sprinkle for bright color and fresh flavor at the very end.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Get things started by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it soften and turn translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Once your kitchen smells amazing, stir in the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more—garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it for the best flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your ground beef right into the aromatics. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up as it browns. You’re aiming for nicely crumbled beef with no pink left—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, feel free to carefully drain it off, so your Ground Beef and Potatoes don’t turn out greasy.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes and Season

Now, fold in the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up a bit. Give it all a really good stir so those starchy potatoes get coated in the savory beef mixture and all those lovely seasonings.

Step 4: Simmer to Tenderness

Pour in the beef broth (or water if that’s what you’ve got) and combine everything. Pop a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. This gentle simmer is where the magic happens, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and soak up every bit of flavor, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and let that incredible aroma go to work.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your potatoes are soft, remove the lid and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid. If you’re feeling extra cozy, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, put the lid back on, and wait for it to melt into irresistible deliciousness. Finish with a fresh pop of chopped parsley. You’ve just made an amazing skillet of Ground Beef and Potatoes—so grab a fork while it’s hot!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley: it adds color and a lift of flavor that takes Ground Beef and Potatoes from rustic to irresistible. You can also try green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a few extra red pepper flakes if you love things spicy.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, pair your skillet dinner with a crisp green salad, some buttered peas, or roasted green beans. If you’re craving extra comfort, some buttery dinner rolls or soft bread are perfect for scooping up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish shines on its own but you can also spoon Ground Beef and Potatoes into roasted peppers, serve it over steamed rice, or even wrap it up burrito-style with tortillas for a hearty handheld twist. Leftovers make fantastic savory pie filling, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pack any leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and mingle overnight, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

This is a freezer-friendly meal! Let the dish cool, then transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, skip the parsley garnish until after you reheat.

Reheating

For single servings, the microwave works perfectly—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until hot. For larger portions, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed, and don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of parsley before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Yukon Golds work beautifully for a creamy texture, or try red potatoes for a bit more bite. Just aim for uniform cubes so everything cooks evenly.

Is this recipe spicy with the red pepper flakes?

Not at all unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add just a little background warmth. If you love more heat, feel free to bump up the amount or leave them out if you’re cooking for kids.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or even lentils, and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The spices and potatoes will still create plenty of cozy, savory flavor.

What’s the best way to meal prep Ground Beef and Potatoes?

Cook the dish as written, let it cool, and then portion it into meal prep containers. It holds up great in the fridge and reheats wonderfully for easy lunches all week.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Easily! Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven. Double all the ingredients and extend the cook time as needed, especially to make sure those potatoes are fully tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s effortless, crowd-pleasing, and filled with homey goodness, Ground Beef and Potatoes will always deliver. One skillet, a handful of staples, and you’ll have a meal that tastes like pure comfort any night of the week. Give it a try and let it become a new family tradition—it’s just that good!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and flavorful dish of Ground Beef and Potatoes is a comforting one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Savory ground beef is cooked with tender potatoes, aromatic spices, and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef and Potatoes

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup beef broth or water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
Cook onion and garlic: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
Cook ground beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up.
Add potatoes and seasonings: Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Add broth and cook: Pour in broth, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender.
Melt cheese and garnish: If using, add cheddar cheese, cover until melted, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.