Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Few things in life are as comforting as a big skillet of Ground Beef and Potatoes sizzled until golden, inviting, and ready to scoop onto your plate. This dish is all about simple pleasures: tender potatoes, juicy seasoned ground beef, a rainbow of veggies, and just the right pop of spice. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s hearty, customizable, and irresistibly savory, this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Ground Beef and Potatoes starts with familiar, down-to-earth ingredients. Each one brings its own unique charm to the skillet, from richness and color to gentle hints of spice. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make your finished dish really shine.
- Canola Oil: This neutral oil gets the skillet hot and ensures those potatoes get crisp edges that make every bite a delight.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up to sautéing and pairs beautifully with the beef—cut them small for even cooking.
- 93% Lean Ground Beef: A just-right mix for tenderness and flavor, without excess grease in your skillet.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness that balances the savory notes of the beef and spices.
- Red Bell Pepper: For pops of color and a hint of natural sweetness; you could swap for any bell pepper if you’d like.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This umami powerhouse deepens the beefy flavor and ties it all together.
- Dijon Mustard: For just a touch of sharp tang that brightens every forkful!
- Smoked Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and that gorgeous hue—don’t skip it if you love flavor layering.
- Garlic Powder: An easy way to infuse garlicky depth without mincing fresh cloves.
- Dried Oregano: For herbaceous notes that make the skillet feel a little extra special.
- Kosher Salt: Because every great dish needs the right seasoning—taste as you go for perfection.
- Black Pepper: A gentle kick to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes.
- Hot Sauce (like Sriracha): Adjustable heat—go for a little or a lot, depending on how bold you’re feeling tonight.
- Green Onions: Stirred in at the end, these bring freshness and a lovely finishing color.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (for serving): A cool, creamy contrast that’s absolutely irresistible atop your bowl.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Begin by heating the canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once it’s shimmering, dial the heat down to medium and add those diced Yukon gold potatoes. Stir them frequently for about 6 minutes. You’re aiming for a lovely golden color on the outside with a firm-but-tender bite—don’t rush this step, since it sets the stage for amazing texture in your Ground Beef and Potatoes.
Step 2: Add Ground Beef, Onion, and Bell Pepper
Next, toss in your ground beef along with the diced onion and bell pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the beef, mixing it with the veggies as it cooks. You’ll see the onions start to turn translucent and everything will become wonderfully aromatic. This is when the kitchen starts smelling like pure comfort!
Step 3: Season Everything
Time for the flavor boosters—stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and that all-important hot sauce. If you’re new to spicy foods, start with just a teaspoon of hot sauce; you can always add more later. These spices and sauces help create the signature depth of the classic Ground Beef and Potatoes.
Step 4: Finish Cooking Until Tender
Keep cooking and breaking up the beef so it browns evenly. In about 6 to 8 minutes, the potatoes will finish softening and the onions will melt into the skillet. You want the meat to be fully cooked and all the flavors to meld together. If you find any stubborn bits stuck to the pan, a little splash of water will deglaze and loosen them right up—those browned bits are flavor gold!
Step 5: Add Green Onions and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve the hot Ground Beef and Potatoes right away, with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream—and maybe a little cheese or extra hot sauce, if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of sliced green onions gives the dish a burst of fresh, herbal flavor. If you’d like to get fancy, a handful of shredded cheese or a few dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream can be swirled over each serving. For a restaurant-style finish, a touch of cracked black pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce add bold visual appeal and an extra zing with every bite.
Side Dishes
While Ground Beef and Potatoes can hold its own as a one-pan meal, it’s also dreamy alongside sautéed greens, a crisp green salad, or roasted broccoli. If you’re in the mood for comfort to the max, scoop it over steamed rice or a bowl of creamy polenta. Some folks even love it tucked into a warm pita or soft tortilla for a rustic, hearty wrap!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your Ground Beef and Potatoes in individual cast iron skillets or ramekins for a bistro-style vibe. For fun, top with a fried egg and let the yolk mingle with the spices—think brunch reimagined! And if you have extra time, try layering leftovers with cheese and baking briefly for a speedy casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an ideal meal-prep staple for busy weeks. Don’t forget to scoop up any flavorful juices at the bottom—those are pure gold for reheating!
Freezing
This dish is a freezer champion. Once cooled, portion the Ground Beef and Potatoes into resealable freezer bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label and date them, and they’ll be ready for you up to 2 months later. It’s perfect for pulling out on a night when you want homemade flavor with zero fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the Ground Beef and Potatoes on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s looking a little dry. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely, heat in short bursts, and stir between each so everything warms evenly. Top with fresh green onions or a swirl of Greek yogurt to bring that just-cooked vibe right back.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While Yukon golds offer a creamy bite and hold their shape, you can use russets for a fluffier texture or red potatoes for a waxier, more robust finish. Just keep the diced pieces small for quick, even cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is totally up to you. Start with the lower amount of hot sauce if you prefer things mild, or bump it up for a bigger kick. You can also set extra hot sauce on the table so everyone can adjust as they please.
What’s the best way to make this Ground Beef and Potatoes dairy-free?
Easy! Just skip the Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end, or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. The main skillet is completely dairy-free as written, so you won’t miss a beat.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, peas, corn, or even zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s an easy way to use up what’s in your fridge and boost both flavor and nutrition.
How can I double the recipe for a crowd?
This recipe is very scalable. Just double the ingredients and use your largest skillet or a Dutch oven. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns nicely and the potatoes get properly crisp before adding the beef and veg.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving maximum comfort with minimal fuss, you can’t go wrong with this Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe. It’s cozy, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at any table. I hope you give it a try—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, potatoes, and a variety of spices for a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 pound potatoes (peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (Yukon golds)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (plus additional for serving (sriracha)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
For Serving:
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a skillet, heat the canola oil over high heat. Add potatoes and cook until golden, about 6 minutes.
- Add beef, onion, and pepper: Cook until beef is browned.
- Season: Add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Cook: Continue cooking until potatoes and onions are tender and meat is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in green onions. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, topped with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Ground Beef, Potatoes, One-Pot Meal, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food
