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Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes is a classic comfort food combining tender lean ground beef with perfectly cooked russet or Yukon gold potatoes. This simple, flavorful one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, offering a warm, nourishing, and family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into even cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
  • Chili flakes or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
  • Chopped bell peppers, peas, or carrots (for veggie boost)
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for cheesy layer)
  • Cauliflower florets (as a low-carb potato substitute)
  • Rosemary or oregano (alternative herbs)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having all ingredients prepped before cooking helps streamline the process.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the other side and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the dish.
  4. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir the diced potatoes into the beef and onions mixture. Pour in enough beef broth to slightly cover the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Final Seasoning and Herbs: Once potatoes are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Stir in fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for brightness and freshness before serving.

Notes

  • Choose even-sized potato chunks to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
  • Drain excess fat from browned beef to avoid an overly greasy dish.
  • Using beef broth adds umami depth and enhances flavor complexity.
  • Do not rush simmering the potatoes; slow cooking allows flavors to meld and potatoes to become tender.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright, aromatic qualities.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, potatoes, comfort food, one-pan meal, easy dinner, family-friendly, hearty, gluten-free