Ground Beef and Potatoes – A Cozy One-Pan Comfort Classic

There are some meals that don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to feel deeply satisfying, and ground beef and potatoes is one of them. This dish has been a weeknight staple in countless kitchens for generations, and for good reason. It’s hearty, affordable, endlessly adaptable, and incredibly comforting. When tender potatoes soak up savory beef juices and warm spices, the result is a meal that feels like home on a plate.

Ground beef and potatoes is one of those recipes that quietly saves the day when you’re short on time, energy, or groceries. Chances are, you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. A pound of ground beef, a handful of potatoes, a little onion and garlic, and a few pantry spices come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s rustic, unfussy food that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table without complaint.

What makes this dish especially lovable is its flexibility. You can keep it simple and classic, or dress it up with extra vegetables, cheese, or bold spices. It works just as well for a cozy family dinner as it does for meal prep, reheating beautifully the next day. Whether you grew up eating a version of this dish or you’re discovering it for the first time, ground beef and potatoes has a timeless appeal that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to soften and turn lightly golden, about 8–10 minutes. Remove potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Season the beef with paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with spices.
6. Return the potatoes to the skillet and gently mix them with the seasoned beef.
7. Pour in the beef broth, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and absorb the flavors.
8. Remove the lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes if you’d like a slightly crisp texture on the potatoes.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Tricks:

• Cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• If potatoes brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly and add a splash of broth.
• For extra flavor, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes instead of russets.

Variations:

• Add bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top and cover briefly until melted.
• Swap paprika for smoked paprika or chili powder for a bolder flavor.
• Turn it into a breakfast-style dish by adding a fried egg on top.

Serving Suggestions:
Ground beef and potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. It also works well tucked into tortillas or served alongside a dollop of sour cream.

Storage Information:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

FAQ:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken works well, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may need a few extra minutes of simmering. Add a little more broth and cover again until tender.

History / Fun Facts:
Dishes combining ground meat and potatoes appear in cuisines around the world, from American skillet dinners to European farmhouse meals. They were traditionally created as economical, filling options for families, making use of inexpensive and readily available ingredients.