Name: One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb ground beef; 1 lb potatoes (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp paprika; ¼ tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp cumin; Salt & black pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup water or beef broth; Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of a warm, hearty meal wafting through your home. Imagine a sizzling skillet filled with tender potatoes and juicy ground beef, bathed in a symphony of spices, each inviting your taste buds to join the party. The golden potatoes absorbing the flavorful goodness and the richness of seasoned beef create a delightful scene in your kitchen, making it hard to resist digging in.

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One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

This dish, reminiscent of cozy family dinners around the table, holds a special place in my heart. I remember standing beside my mom, eagerly stirring the skillet while she shared little anecdotes of her own childhood meals. It was more than just cooking; it was a way to bond and share love in every bite. With crisp autumn nights upon us, there’s no better time to whip up this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes for your loved ones. Gather around, let the laughter and stories flow, and enjoy this easy meal that promises to fill bellies and warm hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This one-pot wonder is on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The savory combination of spices and beef delivers a delicious taste that’s sure to please.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the potatoes and beef make this dish not only tasty but visually appealing as well.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a satisfying main dish any night, or pair it with a salad for a more balanced meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free while still keeping the flavors intact.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ lb ground beef: This is the heart of the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You could also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
1 lb potatoes (diced): Use any variety you prefer, like Yukon Gold or Russet. Peeling is optional, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients.
1 medium onion (diced): A classic aromatic; it brings sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work best, but white or red can also be used.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic ensures a fragrant base that elevates the overall flavor profile.
2 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness. Try smoked paprika for a more robust flavor.
¼ tsp dried thyme: A hint of earthiness that complements the dish. Fresh thyme can be a wonderful substitute if you have it on hand.
1 tsp dried oregano: Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning can also be used to shake up the flavor.
½ tsp cumin: This spice adds warmth and complexity. If you prefer, you can omit it or reduce the amount.
Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing flavors; don’t be shy about adjusting these to suit your taste buds.
2 tbsp butter: This gives richness and helps with sautéing the vegetables. If you prefer olive oil, that works too!
1 cup water or beef broth: Using broth adds depth; however, if you’re short on time, plain water is a fine option.
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish): These colorful garnishes add brightness and a bit of crunch.

How to Make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Brown the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add half the butter and then the ground beef. Cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks to enhance the flavor.

Add the Spices: Once the beef is browned, it’s time to bring in those delicious spices. Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Stir everything together and transfer the seasoned beef to a bowl. Let it rest while you work on the vegetables, keeping them warm helps retain their flavor.

Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last minute to let it become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it— we want that beautiful flavor without the bitterness.

Crisp the Potatoes: Now, add your diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir them around for about 5–6 minutes. This step helps them develop a lovely golden color. To speed things up, cover the pan with a lid. Once they start to turn tender, it’s time to add the liquid.

Pour and Simmer: Pour in the cup of water or beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover again. Cook for another 10–12 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the liquid has reduced slightly. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will be filled with incredible aromas.

Combine and Heat: Finally, return the cooked beef to the skillet with the simmered potatoes. Cook together for another 4 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes!

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot as is, or pair with a simple salad or crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness.

Storing & Reheating

To store your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it; just pack it well and it should last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5–10 minutes, or until heated through. You may find that the texture changes slightly, so adding a splash of broth or water can help refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid the common mistake of overcrowding the pan when browning beef; this leads to steaming instead of browning. Work in batches if necessary.
Ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Be mindful of timing while cooking the potatoes; starting them with the lid on can help them cook faster.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce when you combine the beef and potatoes.
If making ahead, store the beef and potatoes separately until ready to serve to maintain texture.
Fresh herbs can brighten the dish up just before serving.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes. Not only is it simple to make, but it also bursts with hearty flavors and comforting textures that your family will adore. The joy of cooking and sharing this meal can lead to beautiful moments around the dinner table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and make this lovely dish; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly it comes together and how wonderful it tastes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still produce a delicious dish. Just keep in mind that you may want to add a bit more seasoning, as turkey can be milder than beef.

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are both excellent choices. They hold their shape well during cooking and absorb flavors beautifully. You can also use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some peas, carrots, or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure everything cooks evenly.

How can I spice this up if I like it hotter?

If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when you’re sautéing the onions. This addition can take the flavor profile to the next level!

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One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes is a delicious and simple meal that brings together tender potatoes and juicy ground beef in a symphony of flavors, perfect for comforting dinners at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lb ground beef
1 lb potatoes (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tsp paprika
¼ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cumin
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp butter
1 cup water or beef broth
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add spices (thyme, oregano, cumin, and paprika) to the browned beef, then set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onions for 5 minutes until soft, then add garlic for the last minute.
Add diced potatoes to the skillet and crisp them for 5–6 minutes, covering the pan to speed up cooking if necessary.
Pour in water or broth, bringing the mixture to simmer, then cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Combine the beef back with the potatoes and cook for an additional 4 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a healthier option, choose lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition.
This dish can be easily adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free.