This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a simple and hearty meal that combines the flavors of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and aromatic onions and garlic. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners, and you can customize it by swapping ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen. Add extra flavor with seasonings or vegetables like bell peppers and mixed veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup beef broth (or chicken broth, or Worcestershire sauce)

Optional Variations:

Ground turkey instead of beef
Sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (if you’re out of fresh garlic)
1 diced bell pepper (for extra flavor)
1 cup frozen mixed veggies (for added nutrition)
1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (for extra flavor)
Chicken broth instead of beef broth

Directions:

Prepare the Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Ground Beef: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the beef until it is browned and nearly cooked through.
Add Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is nearly cooked, mix it with the potatoes. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and stir everything together. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth or Worcestershire sauce). Stir to combine, then cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
Check for Tenderness: Remove the lid and check the potatoes. If they’re not yet tender, cook for a few more minutes. Once the potatoes are soft, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Optional Add-ins: If desired, you can add diced bell peppers, frozen mixed veggies, or a teaspoon of paprika or chili powder for extra flavor.
Serve: Once everything is cooked and seasoned to your liking, serve your Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet hot. It’s great on its own or paired with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~350 kcal
Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 700mg
Cholesterol: 60mg

These values can vary depending on ingredient substitutions, such as using ground turkey, sweet potatoes, or different broths. The dish is high in protein and offers a good balance of fats and carbohydrates.

Enjoy your Ground Beef and Potatoes meal!

The Appeal of One-Skillet Meals

One-skillet meals are a favorite among busy home cooks and anyone who enjoys cooking with minimal effort. The concept is simple: all the ingredients are cooked together in one pan, which not only reduces the time spent cleaning up afterward but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully as they cook.

The one-skillet method is incredibly versatile, as it can be used to prepare a wide variety of dishes, from meat and potatoes to rice-based casseroles. The beauty of one-skillet meals lies in their simplicity—they require fewer ingredients, less prep time, and minimal cooking techniques. However, that doesn’t mean the flavor or nutritional value is compromised. In fact, cooking everything in one pan can enhance the dish, allowing the ingredients to absorb the seasonings and flavors from each other.

This ground beef and potato dinner is an excellent example of how a one-skillet dish can be both simple and packed with flavor. By using just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that’s filling and comforting, with the added benefit of flexibility to customize based on your preferences.

Why Ground Beef and Potatoes Make a Great Pair

Ground beef and potatoes have been paired together in many cuisines around the world, and for good reason. The hearty, rich flavors of beef complement the earthy, starchy texture of potatoes, creating a meal that satisfies both the palate and the stomach. The savory beef provides a strong base flavor, while the potatoes act as a mild counterpart that soaks up the seasonings, making every bite well-balanced.

Ground beef, especially when chosen in a leaner variety like 85% lean, provides a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and overall body function. Additionally, the fat content in the beef helps to enhance the flavor of the dish, contributing to its richness without being overwhelmingly greasy.

Potatoes, on the other hand, are a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day. They also contain important vitamins like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which aid in digestion and promote heart health. The combination of these two ingredients makes this dish a well-rounded and nourishing meal, providing a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

How to Customize the Dish

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas for customizing your ground beef and potato dinner:

1. Swap the Protein: Ground Beef Alternatives

While ground beef is the classic choice for this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other proteins. Ground turkey is a great option if you’re looking for a leaner alternative. It has a milder flavor but can still provide the necessary protein and texture for the dish. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, vegetarian ground beef or even lentils can be used in place of the meat, providing a hearty alternative without sacrificing the flavor.

2. Experiment with Sweet Potatoes

For a slightly sweeter flavor and added nutritional benefits, you can substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially beta-carotene (which gives them their vibrant orange color), and have a lower glycemic index than regular potatoes, making them a good choice for those looking to maintain steady blood sugar levels.

3. Add More Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

While the basic recipe includes onions and garlic, you can enhance the nutritional profile of the dish by adding more vegetables. Consider tossing in diced bell peppers for a pop of color and a subtle sweetness. You could also add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn for extra fiber and vitamins. These additions will not only boost the dish’s health benefits but also add complexity to the flavors.

4. Spice Things Up

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding chili powder or paprika to the mix. Smoked paprika will add a subtle smoky flavor, while chili powder can give the dish a mild heat. If you want to kick it up a notch, you can toss in a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some cayenne pepper for a spicy finish.

5. Customize the Seasonings

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of its seasonings. The on everything all-purpose blend (or a homemade seasoning blend) adds depth and flavor to the dish. However, feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends depending on your preference. You could go for an Italian twist with oregano and basil, or add some cumin and coriander for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This one-skillet meal is not only easy and tasty but also packed with nutrition. Let’s break down the health benefits of the key ingredients:

Ground Beef: A great source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell production and nerve health. Leaner cuts like 85% lean ground beef help reduce the fat content while still providing all the essential nutrients.
Potatoes: Potatoes are high in potassium, which is vital for heart and muscle function. They also provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer. Sweet potatoes, in particular, are high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which support immune health.
Onions and Garlic: Both onions and garlic are packed with antioxidants and compounds that support heart health. Garlic, specifically, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Olive Oil: A healthy fat that contains monounsaturated fats, olive oil supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and provides antioxidants like vitamin E.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Versatile Meal

This one-skillet ground beef and potato dinner is the perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and flavor. With its easy preparation, minimal cleanup, and endless variations, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a go-to in your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you keep it simple with just potatoes and beef, or add extra vegetables and spices, this dish offers something for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to create a hearty, satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs, all while providing the nutritional benefits of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Try this recipe for your next family dinner, meal prep session, or cozy weeknight meal—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Pin4

4 Shares