Ground Beef and Potatoes

This one-pan Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is an easy, quick, and satisfying meal. Perfectly cooked potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and veggies come together in just 35 minutes to make a hearty and flavorful family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that the whole family will love, this dish delivers both convenience and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef and Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, and colorful vegetables creates a balanced and delicious meal. With smoky paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, the seasoning is just right, giving the dish a deliciously complex flavor. It’s customizable with your choice of toppings, like sour cream or shredded cheese, and it’s easy to adjust the level of spice with hot sauce. This dish is quick, satisfying, and versatile enough to be served on its own or with a side like rice or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (Yukon golds work great)

• 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 more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (Sriracha works well)

• 2 green onions, sliced

For Serving:

• Non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice (optional)

• Extra hot sauce (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the potatoes: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shiny, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced potatoes. Cook, stirring often, until the potatoes are golden and starting to become tender (about 6 minutes), though they should still be too firm to eat.

2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, breaking apart the beef, until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened.

3. Season the mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference). Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, until the potatoes are fully tender and the beef is fully cooked.

4. Finish with green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions, and taste to adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

5. Serve: Serve hot with a topping of Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, over rice, or simply on its own with an extra dash of hot sauce if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Calories: 281 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute to make this dish vegetarian or vegan.

• Add Veggies: You can add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the dish’s nutritional value.

• Cheese Toppings: For a cheesy twist, use a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.

• Spicy Kick: Add more hot sauce or toss in some chopped jalapeños to make the dish spicier.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or broth to keep it moist.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through. Add a little more seasoning or hot sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use different potatoes?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like russet potatoes or red potatoes, but Yukon golds provide a nice balance of creaminess and texture.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the dish and cook it as instructed. You can also store leftovers and reheat them later.

3. Can I add cheese into the dish while cooking?

Yes, you can stir some shredded cheese into the beef and potato mixture just before serving to make it extra cheesy.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! If you like a spicy kick, add more hot sauce, chili flakes, or fresh chili peppers. You can adjust the spice level based on your taste.

5. Can I substitute the ground beef with chicken or turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

6. Can I serve this with a salad?

Yes! This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for added freshness.

7. How can I make this dish more filling?

Serve it with a side of rice (brown or cauliflower rice) or top it with more cheese for an extra hearty meal.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add more vegetables like carrots, peas, or even leafy greens to the mix. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

9. Can I make this dish with less oil?

Yes, you can reduce the oil by using a non-stick skillet or by sautéing the vegetables and potatoes with a small amount of water or broth instead of oil.

10. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef and potato mixture ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and veggies makes for a hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of day. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this one-pan dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

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