Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is an absolute lifesaver when you’re struggling to figure out what to whip up for dinner. This dish combines tender, juicy ground beef with creamy, buttery potatoes to create a hearty meal that’s comforting and satisfying. Plus, it comes together in just one pan, making cleanup as easy as pie. The layers of flavor from the spices and rich cheese will have you coming back for seconds and thirds before you know it!
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm that didn’t require too much fuss. As the beef browned and the potatoes simmered, the aroma filled my kitchen, hinting at the delicious comfort food to come. This recipe perfectly balances convenience and taste, proving that weeknight dinners can still be something to look forward to. Ready to dive into this easy, budget-friendly delight? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner on the table in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, garlic, and melted cheese makes each bite a savory experience.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes mean more time enjoying dinner and less time cleaning up.
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, quick ground beef and potatoes is a meal everyone will love.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe easily serves six, making it ideal for families or friendly get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that adds richness and helps cook the veggies. You can substitute with canola oil if needed.
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Essential for protein and flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Enhances the flavors. Use table salt as a substitute but reduce the amount slightly.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For a burst of aromatic flavor.
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth. No other onion varieties work quite the same.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used for a milder taste.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Offers a bit of heat, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes (no need to peel): These waxy potatoes are perfect for holding their shape. Russet potatoes are a suitable alternative as well.
1 cup water: A little liquid helps cook the potatoes. Start with water, but use broth for extra flavor if you like.
1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the beef.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a wonderful umami quality to the dish.
4 tablespoons ketchup: Strikes the perfect sweet and tangy balance. You can substitute with any tomato sauce if you have it on hand.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: This cheesy goodness tops the dish beautifully and is irreplaceable for that gooey texture.
How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Preheat the oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F if you choose to finish it off in the oven.
Sauté the beef and onion: Heat a large heavy-bottomed, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the finely diced onion and 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. As the meat cooks for about 5-8 minutes, break it apart with a spoon and stir occasionally until everything is beautifully browned and the onion has softened.
Cook the potatoes: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Without cleaning the skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 1 ½ pounds of chopped Yukon gold potatoes. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and cook on medium to medium-high heat for about a minute until the spices become fragrant.
Steam the potatoes: Pour in ¼ cup of water, cover the skillet, and cook while stirring frequently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender but not falling apart. If you notice the potatoes beginning to stick to the pan, add additional water, ¼ cup at a time to prevent burning.
Combine ingredients: Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 4 tablespoons of ketchup. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add another ¼ cup of water and mix it well.
Melt the cheese: Next, sprinkle half of the 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring to combine. Then, top the entire dish with the remaining cheese evenly before placing it in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm, and don’t forget your favorite toppings!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with aluminum foil, for about 20 minutes or until everything is heated through. While the texture may slightly change upon reheating, a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top can bring back that melted goodness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the ground beef; it should be just browned for optimal flavor and texture.
- Make sure the potatoes are diced evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste; add extra mustard for a tangy kick or more paprika for a smoky profile.
- Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrients and color.
- This dish can easily be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving for maximum convenience.
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is simple yet satisfying, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week! I encourage you to make this recipe your own by adding your favorite seasonings or toppings. You’ll find yourself making this comforting one-pan dish again and again, as it’s a wonderful crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together. So gather your loved ones, serve up this delightful dinner, and bask in the warmth it brings to your table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish with other meat options?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic alternatives for a lighter version of this dish. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
What can I use if I don’t have potatoes on hand?
If you find yourself without potatoes, cooked rice or pasta could work splendidly as substitutes; just adjust the liquid accordingly for texture. Alternatively, cauliflower rice can be a great low-carb substitute!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even some hot sauce directly into the beef mixture while cooking. This will enhance the flavor and give it an extra kick.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this dish can easily be doubled! Just make sure your skillet is large enough or split it into two pans to ensure everything cooks evenly. Enjoy your hearty meal!
PrintMore One Pot Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stovetop/Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe features a delicious combination of flavors that are perfect for a quick dinner. With lean ground beef, golden potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, this one-pan meal is satisfying and comes together in less than an hour—ideal for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds yukon gold or russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large, heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, onions, and ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Break up the meat, cooking for 5-8 minutes until browned and onions are soft, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the meat and set aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and the potatoes, seasoning with another teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ¼ cup water, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender but not falling apart, about 15-20 minutes, adding more water if they start to stick.
- Once potatoes are tender, stir in the cooked meat along with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, adding more water if needed to keep it moist.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the mixture and stir. Then top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using different types of cheese or adding your favorite seasonings.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated for busy evenings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
