If you’re seeking comfort food with big flavor but modest ingredients, Ground Beef with Potatoes is a dish you’ll want to keep on near-constant rotation. This cozy skillet meal pairs juicy ground beef, golden potatoes, and a handful of pantry spices for an effortless dinner that feels nostalgic, filling, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, you’ll love how it comes together in just over half an hour, with savory aromas that announce “dinner’s ready!” before you even set the table.

Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing what a few essential ingredients can do when combined just right! Each component in this Ground Beef with Potatoes recipe has a role—from building a flavorful base to delivering creamy or crunchy bites—so don’t skip on the details below.

Ground beef: Provides richness and protein, setting the foundation for savory flavor.
Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps everything cook evenly while boosting taste.
Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth; sautéed onion is key to a good base.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic, irresistible notes.
Russet potatoes (peeled and diced): The perfect potato for soaking up flavor while turning soft and buttery.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and pops of color.
Ground cumin: Lends earthiness, giving every bite a touch of warmth.
Dried oregano: Brings herbal hints that pair perfectly with beef and potatoes.
Salt: Essential for balancing and brightening all flavors.
Black pepper: Gives a bit of zing without overpowering the other spices.
Beef broth or water: Keeps everything juicy and melds the flavors together.
Tomato paste (optional): Offers tang and richness, deepening the sauce’s flavor.
Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish): A burst of freshness and color to finish the dish.

How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your diced onions and give them a good stir. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until they soften and turn translucent, then sprinkle in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This first layer of flavor really sets your Ground Beef with Potatoes apart!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it cook until everything is no longer pink and you see those scrumptious browned bits forming at the bottom—this is flavor gold! If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep your dish balanced, not greasy.

Step 3: Bring in the Potatoes and Spices

Now pile in the diced potatoes, along with the paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The spices are what take Ground Beef with Potatoes from plain to seriously crave-worthy, marrying the hearty ingredients with depth and color.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Liquid

For a slightly saucier skillet, stir in the tomato paste, if you’re using it. This is optional but fantastic. Next, pour in the beef broth (or water) to help everything cook together and get that wonderful, unified flavor. Mix well, making sure the potatoes are nestled in the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer Until Perfectly Tender

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every so often, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Finally, remove the lid and let it cook for a few more minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate. Taste and nudge the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the hot skillet before bringing it to the table. This pop of color and freshness absolutely transforms the final dish!

How to Serve Ground Beef with Potatoes

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions is all you need to make your Ground Beef with Potatoes look inviting and extra appetizing. If you feel adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a dusting of sharp cheese would also be wonderful.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines with classic sides. Try serving it with fluffy white rice, warm tortillas for scooping, or even alongside fried or poached eggs for an ultimate breakfast hash experience. For a different twist, a crisp green salad or sautéed greens provide a fresh balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Ground Beef with Potatoes into handheld delights by stuffing it into tortillas or pita bread. For parties, spoon it into baked potato skins or use as a hearty filling for bell peppers. You can even layer it in a shallow baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly for a skillet casserole vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making for an irresistibly tasty next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Ground Beef with Potatoes freezes beautifully! Portion cooled servings into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place your portion in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally. A splash of water or broth will perk it right up. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of potato?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in Yukon Golds for a creamier bite or even sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and color. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since smaller dice or softer potatoes may cook a bit faster.

What’s a good way to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a meatless version, try replacing the ground beef with crumbled, cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground alternative. The seasonings and veggies will still provide plenty of satisfying flavor.

Is Ground Beef with Potatoes spicy?

As written, the dish isn’t spicy—the paprika gives warmth rather than fire. If you do want heat, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even a minced jalapeño along with the onions.

Can I make Ground Beef with Potatoes in advance?

You sure can! This recipe holds up wonderfully when made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or busy nights. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge, which is a happy bonus.

What protein can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even bulk sausage can be substituted for ground beef without issue. Just be mindful that leaner meats may need a small extra splash of olive oil for moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a meal that’s both heartwarming and fuss-free, you’ve just found a new favorite in Ground Beef with Potatoes. It’s one of those reliable dishes you’ll reach for again and again, so don’t hesitate to give it a try—your table (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and satisfying one-pan meal featuring ground beef and tender potatoes, seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Garnish:

1/2 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
Brown Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Potatoes and Spices: Mix in diced potatoes, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and pour in beef broth.
Simmer: Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Uncover and cook for 3–5 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.