Print

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes is a comforting, flavorful, and simple dish combining tender ground beef with fluffy potatoes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and nourishing family meals. Ready in under 30 minutes, this budget-friendly, nutritious recipe offers versatility to customize with your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies for a warm and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 medium onion, diced finely
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock (ensure gluten-free if needed)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Chopped green onions
  • Dollop of sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves so they release their full aroma during cooking.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring those flavors meld nicely.
  4. Cook Potatoes with Broth: Stir in the potatoes, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Pour in the beef broth or stock, then cover and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and infused with flavor.
  5. Final Touches: Once the potatoes are tender, uncover the pan to let any excess liquid evaporate. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness if you like.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Potato: Yukon Gold holds its shape better and adds creaminess without falling apart.
  • Don’t Rush Browning: Let the ground beef brown fully before stirring to develop deeper flavor.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground pepper and quality paprika make a noticeable difference.
  • Simmer Low and Slow: Cooking the potatoes gently ensures fluffy texture without mushiness.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat so flavors meld completely.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, potatoes, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, gluten free, hearty, savory