Name: Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 ½ pounds yukon gold or russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce; 4 tablespoons ketchup; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty and homey dinner that can be whipped up in no time. Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is exactly that—an easy one-pan meal that combines tender, seasoned ground beef with soft, golden potatoes and a melty layer of cheese on top. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Table of Contents

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

I first stumbled upon this dish during a particularly hectic week where my family was feeling the crunch of our schedules. With little time to spare but a big appetite, I searched for something quick yet filling. This dish almost felt like a revelation—simple ingredients I already had on hand became the star of a fabulous dinner. Since then, it has earned a place in our weekly rotation and has continually reminded me that comfort and flavor can come together beautifully and quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Savory beef with seasoned potatoes topped with gooey cheese is hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The melted cheese on top adds a cute, enticing finish that pleases anyone.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or even casual gatherings with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Made with lean beef, and you can easily swap in veggies for a lighter alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that helps sauté the onions and beef while adding flavor.
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Enhances the overall taste, helping to bring out the flavors in your dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the taste profile with its aromatic quality.
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish as it cooks down.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that complements the beef beautifully.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A touch of spice to balance the flavors.
1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes: These potatoes become perfectly tender and creamy without needing to be peeled.
1 cup water: Helps steam the potatoes for proper cooking, resulting in a fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds a hint of tanginess that brightens the dish.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the flavor, bringing a savory umami profile to the beef.
4 tablespoons ketchup: Adds sweetness and acidity that ties all the flavors together.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Melts beautifully on top, providing a rich, creamy finish.

How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes

Preheat the Oven: If you plan to finish this dish in the oven, heat your oven to 375°F. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and just use the stovetop.

Cook the Beef: Heat a large heavy-bottom, non-stick skillet with lid over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the finely diced onion along with the ground beef. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Break apart the beef with a wooden spoon, cooking for about 5-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, and the onions are softened. This step lays the foundation for great flavor!

Prepare the Potatoes: Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan (no need to wash it out), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped potatoes. Sprinkle with another teaspoon of salt, and cook on medium to medium-high heat for about 1 minute until you can smell the spices. This initial searing will start to develop a nice crust on the potatoes.

Steam the Potatoes: Add ¼ cup water, cover the pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. You’re looking for tender potatoes that aren’t falling apart. If they start to stick, don’t hesitate to add extra water, gradually, about ¼ cup at a time. Think of it as keeping the potatoes happy and hydrated!

Combine Ingredients: Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked beef to the pan along with the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, stirring everything until well mixed. If it looks dry, don’t hesitate to pour in an additional ¼ cup of water. The mixture should be cohesive without being too watery.

Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle half the grated cheddar cheese into the beef and potato mix, stirring it through for added creaminess. Then, layer the remaining cheese on top before placing the skillet in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is where the magic happens!

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted, your dish is ready to serve! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like green onions, sour cream, or additional seasonings. Enjoy it warm and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers at room temperature, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, where they will last for about 2 hours safely. In the refrigerator, you can store the meal for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, divide it into portions and place in freezer-safe containers, ensuring it’s sealed well; it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes or oven-bake at 350°F until heated through. Just a heads up—texture may vary slightly after freezing, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese can breathe life back into it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Mixing Potatoes: Ensure your potato pieces are roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly, avoiding a mixture of mushy and firm chunks.
The Perfect Beef: Lean beef is key here. If you use more fatty cuts, like regular ground beef, you’ll find your dish becomes greasy.
Flavor Balancing & Enhancements: Consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots to the mixture for added nutrition and color, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Make Ahead: If you want to enjoy this dish on a busy night, prepare the beef and potato mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then simply bake it when ready to enjoy.

This recipe encourages you and your family to come into the kitchen together, enjoy the process, and share a satisfying meal. Before you know it, Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes might just become one of your go-to comfort dishes too.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef for a lighter version. Mixing in some steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli can also help boost the nutrition while keeping the flavors delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and potato mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and bake it later. Add the cheese just before baking in the oven for the best melty texture.

What kind of cheese can I use instead of cheddar?

Feel free to experiment! Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheeses can be great alternatives if you desire a bit of heat or just a different flavor.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Definitely! While Yukon gold and russet potatoes work best for their creamy texture when cooked, you could try reds or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as some may soften faster than others.