Name: One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb ground beef; 1 lb potatoes (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp paprika; ¼ tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp cumin; Salt & black pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup water or beef broth; Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

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The rich aroma of sizzling ground beef mingles with the earthy scent of potatoes gently boiling away, setting the stage for a cozy family dinner. Visions of golden potatoes, tender and full of flavor, fill your kitchen, making this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes a comforting meal that warms the heart. It’s the kind of dish that reminds me of my childhood evenings, gathered around the dinner table with my family, sharing laughter and stories over a steaming plate of goodness. As simple as it is delicious, this one-pot wonder is ideal for those busy weeknights when time is short, but comfort food is still our top priority.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up this vibrant dish that looks as delightful as it tastes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and indulgent without being overly complicated. So, let’s jump in and make this delightful One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes dish that will surely become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just under 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices transforms the ground beef into something truly mouthwatering, while the potatoes soak up all the deliciousness!
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its colorful ingredients and homey aroma, this skillet meal is as inviting as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight meal, this dish fits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make this meal gluten-free or dairy-free depending on your needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ lb ground beef: This hearty base adds protein and richness. Look for lean beef, but don’t hesitate to swap for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
1 lb potatoes (diced): Use russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy texture. If you prefer, you can peel them, but leaving the skins adds extra nutrients.
1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth. If you’re in a hurry, yellow or white onions work best, and shallots can be a lovely alternative.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic spikes the dish with flavor. You can use pre-minced garlic for ease; just adjust the amount to your taste.
2 tsp paprika: This spice brings a subtle smokiness to the beef. Feel free to use smoked paprika if you like a deeper flavor.
¼ tsp dried thyme: Thyme introduces herbal notes. You can replace it with rosemary or Italian seasoning if desired.
1 tsp dried oregano: Complements the other spices beautifully. If fresh is available, a tablespoon of fresh oregano is even better.
½ tsp cumin: Adds warmth and a slight earthy flavor that balances the spices.
Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Don’t be shy; a generous pinch or two originally brings a big difference.
2 tbsp butter: This gives a lovely richness to the dish. Olive oil can be substituted if you prefer a dairy-free option.
1 cup water or beef broth: Beef broth is recommended for deeper flavor, but water will work in a pinch.
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish): These fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a pop of color.

How to Make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by heating a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add half the butter—this will not only give flavor but also help in browning the beef. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the ground beef. Use your wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, turning it occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

Season the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, oregano, and cumin, making sure every bit of the beef gets coated in those fragrant spices. Once well mixed, transfer the seasoned beef to a bowl and set it aside for now.

Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, keep the savory goodness left behind. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften and become translucent. The onions should be fragrant and slightly caramelized. Then, toss in the minced garlic, sautéing it for another minute until its aroma fills the air.

Add the Potatoes: Now it’s time for the star of the show—potatoes! Stir in the diced potatoes and let them cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to take on a golden hue and soften up slightly. Covering the pan with a lid speeds up the cooking by trapping that heat in.

Pour in the Liquid: Once the potatoes look lovely, pour in the cup of water or beef broth. Scrape any delicious bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan again and let everything cook together for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Combine and Heat Through: Finally, return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring everything together. Let it all cook for an additional 4 minutes until heated through. The flavors will meld beautifully at this stage, creating a dish you’ll just want to dive into.

Garnish and Serve: When it’s all done, sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is delightful served hot, but feel free to pair with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience!

Storing & Reheating

To store your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 hours or in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple—pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. The potatoes may lose some of their original firmness, so don’t be surprised if they are a bit softer; a dash of fresh herbs can help brighten them up!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the potatoes by checking them frequently, particularly toward the end of simmering, to ensure they reach just the right tenderness without turning mushy.
For extra flavor, let the beef brown well and make sure to scrape up the browned bits from the pan when adding in your broth; those bits carry concentrated umami!
If time allows, consider prepping the ingredients a day in advance to make dinner even speedier.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition—toss them in with the onions!
Experiment with various herbs and spices; Italian seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can create a delightful twist on flavors!
This meal’s simplicity is also its strength. Don’t hesitate to pair it with a light salad or crusty bread to create a full meal experience.

When you bring the delicious One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes to your table, you are not just serving food, you are presenting warmth, memories, and satisfaction. This dish encapsulates everything we love about gatherings, making it not just a meal, but an experience. It’s durable yet flexible enough to accommodate tweaks based on what you have in your pantry. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook faster.

What kind of potatoes are best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work fantastically due to their creamy texture when cooked. If you want a quicker option, try using smaller baby potatoes, just halve them instead of dicing.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or even frozen peas can all be excellent additions. Just remember to balance the cooking time, adding delicate veggies closer to the end to keep them from getting mushy.

How does this dish hold up after freezing?

While the flavors will remain delightful after freezing, the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly. A quick reheating in the oven or stovetop can help restore some of the original texture. A sprinkle of fresh herbs upon reheating can also brighten it up!