Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe That’s Family-Approved

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when ground beef meets hearty potatoes in a delightful culinary dance.

Comfort blends seamlessly with rich flavors that promise satisfaction in every bite.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that come together quickly and deliciously.

Weeknight dinners demand minimal fuss and maximum flavor, making this combination perfect for hungry families.

Rustic and filling, this dish speaks to our deep craving for wholesome meals that warm both body and soul.

Spices and tender meat create a symphony that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen as this meal comes together.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and nutritional profile.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef and potatoes are affordable ingredients that create a hearty, filling meal without breaking the bank.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use extra firm tofu crumbles to maintain a similar texture and protein content.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach during cooking to boost the vegetable content and increase nutritional value of the dish.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Combine Into The Ultimate Hearty Skillet

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this hearty ground beef and potato skillet in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Kids and adults alike will love this simple, filling dish that combines familiar flavors of beef, potatoes, and spices in one pan.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Use affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes to create a delicious meal that won't break the bank, stretching your grocery budget easily.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that saves time on cooking and washing dishes, making mealtime stress-free and efficient.

Elements Of Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein, adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that enhances the meat's depth and creates a savory foundation.

• Potatoes: Starchy and filling, provides a comforting texture and helps bulk up the meal.

• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural tastes of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Helps with browning and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Beef Broth: Optional liquid that can make the dish more moist and intensify the meaty flavor.

Preparing Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Fire up a large skillet and drizzle olive oil across its bottom.

Set the heat to a medium flame, letting the oil shimmer and prepare for the delicious journey ahead.

Step 2: Brown the Meaty Base

Drop the ground beef into the sizzling skillet.

Break it apart with a wooden spoon, letting it dance and transform into crispy, golden-brown crumbles.

Keep stirring until no pink remains.

Step 3: Introduce Aromatic Companions

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Let them join the beef party, softening and releasing their fragrant essence.

Stir and swirl until they become translucent and wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Welcome the Potato Stars

Slide the diced potatoes into the skillet.

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold everything together, ensuring each potato piece gets coated with the flavorful mix.

Step 5: Add Moisture and Depth

Pour beef broth into the skillet, creating a luscious environment for the ingredients to mingle and soften.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the ingredients to steam and merge.

Let them cook for 10-12 minutes, peeking and stirring occasionally.

Check that potatoes reach a perfect tender consistency.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serving

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve piping hot, straight from the skillet to eager plates.

How Pros Get Beef And Potatoes Just Right

• Select ground beef with 85% lean or higher to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Dice potatoes uniformly into small, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
• Sprinkle additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the taste profile and create a more complex, aromatic meal.
• If potatoes seem dry during cooking, gradually add small amounts of beef broth to maintain moisture without making the dish watery.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives or ground turkey for different protein options and dietary preferences.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Reheat Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Potato Skillet Pairing Picks

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, hearty flavors of ground beef and enhance the dish's savory profile.
• Serve Alongside Crisp Green Salad: Create a refreshing contrast with a light mixed greens salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the meat and potatoes.
• Elevate with Tangy Sour Cream Topping: Add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream on top to introduce a smooth texture and brighten the dish's overall taste experience.
• Pair with Craft Beer: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or brown ale that matches the earthiness of the potatoes and provides a satisfying, malty undertone to the meal.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Versions

• Veggie Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the original flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking to create a zesty, heat-packed rendition of the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate diced bell peppers, oregano, and replace beef broth with tomato sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Shepherd’s Pie brings comfort straight from Ireland’s rustic kitchens, blending rich ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes. Savory layers create a warming meal that speaks directly to hungry souls craving home-style goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a generously sized skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, ensuring even heat distribution.
2. Crumble the ground beef into the hot pan, breaking it into small, uniform pieces while cooking until a rich, caramelized brown develops.
3. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Incorporate diced potatoes into the skillet, gently folding them through the meat mixture to ensure even coating.
5. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper across the dish, creating a layer of robust seasoning.
6. Pour beef broth into the skillet, which will help steam and tenderize the potatoes while infusing additional depth of flavor.
7. Place a tight-fitting lid over the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together.
8. Periodically stir the mixture, ensuring potatoes cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pan.
9. After 10-12 minutes, test potato tenderness by piercing with a fork – they should yield easily without resistance.
10. Taste and fine-tune seasonings, adding more salt or pepper if needed to elevate the overall flavor profile.
11. Transfer the piping hot skillet contents directly to serving plates, presenting a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Consider using sweet potatoes for a nutrient-dense alternative with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
• Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the overall taste and complexity of the meal.

• 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: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg