Name: Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Ground Beef: 1 pound Olive Oil (if needed): 1 tablespoon Yellow Onion (diced): 1 small Garlic (minced): 2 cloves Russet Potatoes (peeled and diced small): 3 medium Paprika: 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon Salt: ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon Beef Broth or Water: ½ cup Parsley (for garnish, optional): chopped

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If there’s one recipe that truly captures the spirit of cozy, home-cooked comfort, it’s Ground Beef and Potatoes. This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and guarantees clean plates around the table. Hearty russet potatoes soak up savory beef juices, aromatic onion and garlic mingle with fragrant thyme and paprika, and a sprinkle of parsley brings it all together. It’s filling, affordable, kid-friendly, and ready in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you crave a bit of wholesome simplicity.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how simple yet essential these ingredients are—each one brings something important to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that irresistible golden finish. Using fresh, quality basics turns Ground Beef and Potatoes into a dish far greater than the sum of its parts.

Ground beef: The foundation of the recipe, providing savory richness and protein in every bite.
Olive oil (if needed): A splash keeps everything from sticking to the pan and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Yellow onion (diced): For sweetness and depth, the perfect aromatic partner to beef and potatoes.
Garlic (minced): Brings an irresistible, robust flavor that truly warms the dish.
Russet potatoes (peeled and diced small): Hearty, starchy, and perfect for soaking up all the savory juices.
Paprika: Adds lovely color and a gentle smoky note.
Dried thyme: For an earthy, herbal layer that makes everything taste more homey.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together—don’t be shy!
Black pepper: For just the right hint of heat and spice.
Beef broth or water: Helps the potatoes cook through and infuses every bite with extra flavor.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to finish on a bright note.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating up your largest skillet over medium heat and crumbling in the ground beef. As it cooks, use a spoon to break it into little bits, letting each piece get beautifully browned. Rendering out the fat will give the beef extra flavor, and if there’s lots of grease, just drain away the excess—this keeps your Ground Beef and Potatoes flavorful, not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

If your skillet looks a little dry after removing the beef, add a swirl of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, until soft and just beginning to turn golden. Stir in the minced garlic next and let it mingle for about 30 seconds—just until wonderfully fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes and Season

Add your diced potatoes right into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground pepper, tossing everything well to coat. Pour the beef broth (or water) over the top. Cover your skillet and let everything steam and sizzle for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every so often, until the potatoes are tender with golden, crispy bits. This is where the magic of Ground Beef and Potatoes really comes together.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Now, return the browned ground beef to the pan and stir everything together so the flavors can really get acquainted. Let it cook, uncovered, for another 3 to 4 minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate and deepen the savory flavors. Give it a taste and adjust your seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Just before serving, sprinkle everything with chopped parsley for a flash of freshness and color. Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates, and watch everyone dig in with gusto.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley brings a touch of brightness, but don’t stop there! Try finishing your Ground Beef and Potatoes with thinly sliced scallions, a dash of hot sauce, or even a handful of shredded cheese to make things extra inviting. For those with a zestier palate, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top adds a subtle tang.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette, some buttered peas, or roasted carrots. For an ultra-comforting meal, serve Ground Beef and Potatoes with fluffy dinner rolls on the side so you can sop up every savory morsel.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with how you serve your Ground Beef and Potatoes! Try piling the mixture into baked potato halves, scooping it into warm tortillas as a breakfast burrito filling, or topping a toasted piece of crusty bread for a rustic open-faced sandwich. Kids love it layered in bowls with their favorite steamed vegetables for a build-your-own dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer your Ground Beef and Potatoes to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing any of its classic flavors. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before reheating for the tastiest results.

Freezing

For longer storage, spread the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container, label it, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready for a quick, satisfying meal.

Reheating

To bring Ground Beef and Potatoes back to life, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of potato?

Absolutely. While russets are wonderfully starchy, Yukon Golds or red potatoes work beautifully, and even sweet potatoes add a fun, slightly sweet twist to your Ground Beef and Potatoes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! There’s no flour or bread involved, so this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth or any extra seasonings to make sure they are, too.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Diced bell peppers, peas, corn, or carrots mix in seamlessly. Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand for extra nutrition, color, and texture.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Ground Beef and Potatoes is perfect for meal prepping. Make a batch, portion it into containers, and store it in the fridge or freezer for stress-free lunches and dinners throughout the week.

What protein alternatives work in this dish?

If you want to mix it up, swap in ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground alternatives for the beef. Just adjust the seasoning to taste, and you’ll have an equally delicious, hearty skillet dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and heartwarming about a pan of Ground Beef and Potatoes bubbling away on the stovetop. I hope you give this recipe a spot in your dinnertime rotation—it’s as easy as it is comforting, and every bite is proof that simple ingredients really can make magic. Enjoy!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced potatoes are cooked with seasoned ground beef until golden and delicious, creating a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Ground Beef:

1 pound

Olive Oil (if needed):

1 tablespoon

Yellow Onion (diced):

1 small

Garlic (minced):

2 cloves

Russet Potatoes (peeled and diced small):

3 medium

Paprika:

1 teaspoon

Dried Thyme:

½ teaspoon

Salt:

½ teaspoon

Black Pepper:

¼ teaspoon

Beef Broth or Water:

½ cup

Parsley (for garnish, optional):

chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in diced potatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender.
Combine and Finish: Return beef to the skillet, cook uncovered to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, garnished with parsley.