Hearty Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Ground beef mingles perfectly with hearty potatoes in this comforting classic.

Weeknight dinners demand something straightforward yet satisfying.

Every home cook appreciates a reliable meal that comes together quickly.

Tender meat and soft potato chunks create a delightful combination that feels like a warm hug.

Russet potatoes work best for capturing rich flavors and creating a creamy texture.

Lean ground beef ensures the dish remains light and nourishing without feeling heavy.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those busy evenings when comfort food calls.

Steps To Make Ground Beef With Potatoes

Step 1: Crisp Up Potato Cubes

In a large skillet, warm some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced potatoes and cook, giving them an occasional stir. Watch for golden edges and a tender inside, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Using the same skillet, add ground beef and break it down with a spatula. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, brown color and loses its raw appearance. This usually takes 5-7 minutes. If you see excess grease, carefully drain it away.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced green bell peppers

Saute these until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Marry the Flavors

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the spices.

Step 5: Add Moisture (Optional)

If the skillet looks a bit dry, splash in some broth. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Turn off the heat and shower the skillet with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately alongside rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Improve Ground Beef With Potatoes

• Potato Perfection: Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and golden-brown edges that provide a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Fat Management Trick: Drain excess beef fat after cooking to keep the dish lighter and prevent a greasy texture that might ruin the meal's overall taste.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika or adding a pinch of cayenne for those who enjoy a spicier flavor profile.
• Veggie Swap Strategy: Replace green bell peppers with zucchini or carrots to add variety and extra nutrients while maintaining the dish's delicious structure.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish in advance and reheat gently, as the flavors will intensify and become more complex when allowed to sit for a few hours.

How To Store Ground Beef With Potatoes Easily

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the ground beef and potato dish fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Store carefully to maintain the best flavor and texture.
• Reheat thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness and restore moisture.
• When reheating, stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as potatoes tend to become mushy and lose their original texture when thawed.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming refrigerated leftovers, and discard if the dish smells off or shows any unusual changes in color or texture.

Great Matches For Ground Beef With Potatoes

• Pair with Zesty Salsa: Serve the ground beef and potatoes with a vibrant, homemade salsa that adds a fresh, tangy kick. The bright flavors of chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice will complement the rich, spiced beef perfectly.
• Match with Cool Sour Cream: Top the dish with a dollop of creamy, cool sour cream to balance the warm spices. Its smooth texture and subtle tanginess will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty ground beef and crispy potatoes.
• Sip Mexican-Style Beer: Enjoy a cold, crisp Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial alongside this dish. The light, clean beer will cut through the richness of the meat and potatoes, creating a satisfying dining experience.
• Serve with Soft Flour Tortillas: Warm, soft flour tortillas are the ideal accompaniment, allowing diners to scoop up the flavorful beef and potatoes. They'll soak up the delicious seasonings and add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

Ways To Change Ground Beef With Potatoes

• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add chipotle powder for extra heat. Top with shredded pepper jack cheese and serve with fresh salsa.
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Hash: Incorporate diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with oregano and use rosemary-infused olive oil for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Asian-Inspired Beef and Potato Stir-Fry: Swap spices with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle with sriracha for a quick kick of flavor.
• Moroccan Beef Potato Tagine: Introduce ground cinnamon, turmeric, and harissa paste. Garnish with chopped mint and toasted almonds. Serve over couscous for an authentic North African experience.

FAQs About Ground Beef With Potatoes

• Why use both olive oil and butter in this recipe?

The combination adds rich flavor and helps prevent burning. Olive oil has a higher smoke point, while butter brings a delicious, creamy taste to the potatoes and beef.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose.

• How do I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, increase the chili powder, or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also top the finished dish with hot sauce for extra kick.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes! Ground beef with potatoes is an economical meal that uses simple, affordable ingredients while still delivering incredible flavor and satisfaction.

Why Ground Beef With Potatoes Is A Simple Favorite

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This ground beef and potato skillet delivers a hearty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need something delicious and satisfying fast.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Enjoy minimal cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, filling dish without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexibility is key – swap vegetables, adjust spices, or add extra ingredients like cheese or eggs to match your family's taste preferences and make this recipe truly your own.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Incredibly affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Ground Beef With Potatoes Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Hearty and rich protein source, choose lean meat for healthier option.
• Eggs (Optional): Adds extra protein and helps bind ingredients together.

• Potatoes, Green Bell Pepper, Onion: Provide texture, flavor, and nutritional balance, choose fresh and firm vegetables.
• Rice, Tortillas, Crusty Bread: Serve as complementary side dishes, offer different carbohydrate options.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Adds richness and helps with cooking, use high-quality options.
• Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Provides warm, complex flavor profile, adjust according to spice preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall taste.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic quality, fresh garlic recommended.
• Broth: Helps maintain moisture and intensifies flavor, can use chicken or beef stock.
• Fresh Parsley, Cilantro: Offers fresh, bright garnish and additional flavor layer.

Ground Beef With Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired ground beef with potatoes brings hearty comfort to dinner tables with rich, spicy flavors. Warm spices and tender meat combine perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that quickly becomes a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Other Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and warm olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, gently stirring to ensure even cooking, allowing them to develop a golden exterior and tender interior for approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a separate plate.
2. Using the same skillet, introduce ground beef and cook thoroughly, systematically breaking the meat into smaller fragments. Continue until the beef achieves a rich, uniform brown color, which typically requires 5-7 minutes. Eliminate any excess rendered fat.
3. Create space in the skillet by relocating the beef, then introduce additional olive oil. Incorporate finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced green bell peppers. Saute the vegetables until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
4. Reintegrate the previously cooked potatoes into the skillet, combining them with the seasoned beef and aromatic vegetables. Generously dust the mixture with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly blend to ensure comprehensive seasoning coverage.
5. If the mixture appears slightly dry, introduce a modest quantity of broth. Allow the ingredients to simmer gently, enabling the flavors to harmonize and potatoes to reach optimal tenderness.
6. Complete the dish by removing the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, creating a vibrant visual and flavor accent. Serve immediately alongside complementary accompaniments like rice, warm tortillas, or rustic bread.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture and even cooking, preventing them from falling apart during preparation.
• Drain excess beef fat completely to reduce greasiness and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile in the final dish.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin to match personal heat preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising the rich, satisfying taste of the recipe.

• 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: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg