Get ready to fall in love with an irresistible classic: this Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort served in a skillet! Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish mingles savory ground beef, golden potatoes, caramelized onions, and a hint of garlic for an unfussy meal everyone craves. There are no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients here—just everyday essentials, perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want impressive leftovers, this recipe is about to become a cherished staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in the overall flavor and heartiness of the dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to bring out the best in each:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for the best flavor; it cooks up juicy and helps sauté the potatoes perfectly.
- Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: These hold their shape when sautéed, soaking up the beefy goodness for perfect bites every time.
- Yellow Onion: Caramelizes beautifully and layers sweetness throughout the dish.
- Garlic: Just a couple cloves elevate the whole skillet with aromatic warmth.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously—these basics draw out all the deep, homey flavors.
- Paprika (smoked or sweet): Adds a subtle, savory smokiness that makes each forkful irresistible.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For that golden sear on potatoes and extra richness in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle just before serving adds freshness and color.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil if your beef is a bit lean. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as you go. Browning the beef well adds layers of savory flavor, the foundation for your Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Push the browned beef to the edges of the pan, tossing in chopped onion and let it soften for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drop in the minced garlic and cook for a minute more. These steps infuse your skillet with sweet and aromatic undertones that are simply irresistible.
Step 3: Add Potatoes & Seasonings
Next, tumble in the diced potatoes along with salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir so the potatoes soak up those savory beef drippings and the spices coat every bite. At this stage, you want the potatoes to begin crisping and turning beautifully golden.
Step 4: Cook Until Potatoes Are Tender
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 12-15 minutes). If the skillet dries out, add a splash of water or beef broth. This gentle steam locks in moisture and ensures every element is cooked to perfection.
Step 5: Uncover and Crisp Up
Remove the lid and increase the heat again for the final few minutes, letting the potatoes get those coveted crispy edges. Stir everything well so nothing sticks, then taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Finish with a handful of fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up the hearty flavors with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, or try sliced green onions and a dusting of smoked paprika. A light drizzle of your favorite hot sauce adds a gentle kick and brings this Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe to life.
Side Dishes
Pair this one-pan wonder with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli for a complete, colorful meal. Warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls are also perfect for soaking up every last flavorful bite on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the sizzling beef and potatoes over fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes for a twist. Stuff it into taco shells for a fun Tex-Mex spin, or nestle inside toasted buns for a delicious, hearty sandwich. The Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is endlessly adaptable—have fun making it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to let the skillet cool before transferring to avoid condensation, which helps everything stay fresh and appetizing.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, portion the cooled Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe into freezer-safe container or bags. It’ll keep its flavor for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem dry. Microwave reheating also works well, but stirring halfway through ensures even warmth and fresh taste in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While classic flavor comes from beef, ground turkey or chicken are delicious lean options for this recipe. Just keep an eye on cook time, as lean meats can dry out more quickly—using a touch of extra olive oil helps keep things moist and tasty.
Which potatoes are best for this dish?
Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes shine here thanks to their ability to hold shape and develop that classic golden crisp. Waxy potatoes can be used in a pinch, but avoid red potatoes unless you want a softer, different texture.
Can I add vegetables to the Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, diced carrots, or peas are all wonderful additions for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to add firmer veggies (like carrots) at the same time as the potatoes and softer ones (like peas) toward the end of cooking.
Does this recipe work as a make-ahead meal?
Yes! The Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe actually gets more flavorful as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store in the fridge and reheat as needed for tasty, satisfying lunches or quick dinners.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Good news: this dish is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your seasonings, especially any store-bought blends, are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for an easy, soul-warming meal that brings everyone rushing to the table, the Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is calling your name. It’s simple, savory, and endlessly adaptable—once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens. Whip up a skillet soon and savor the comfort with every bite!
Print
Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a comforting, one-pan meal that delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, the savory combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and vegetables comes together quickly on the stovetop. This dish is versatile, budget-friendly, and a family favorite that can be customized with your favorite spices and served on its own or alongside a fresh salad.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 4 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
For Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, chop as needed.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, onion, and garlic to the other side. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened.
- Add Potatoes and Season: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet along with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Add the peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately, either as a stand-alone meal or with bread or salad.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use sweet potatoes for variation in flavor and nutrients.
- Top with shredded cheese right before serving for extra richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is easily doubled to serve a crowd.
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