The Coziest Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful ground beef and potatoes dish brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Potatoes absorb rich flavors while tender beef creates a mouthwatering combination.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become more exciting with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together without complicated techniques.

Layers of savory goodness promise a meal everyone around the table will eagerly devour.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this warm, inviting plate of deliciousness.

How to Store Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the cooled mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• What makes this ground beef and potatoes recipe unique?

The combination of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika creates a complex, rich flavor profile that elevates this simple one-skillet dish beyond traditional meat and potato recipes.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a similar cooking method and texture.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

This dish provides a good balance of protein from beef and nutrients from vegetables, but it’s moderately high in calories. You can make it healthier by using lean ground beef and controlling portion sizes.

Why Ground Beef and Potatoes Make a Hearty Combo

• Savor Quick Comfort: A hearty one-skillet meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying.
• Customize Your Plate: Easily adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adding extra spices, switching vegetables, or topping with favorite garnishes to match individual taste preferences.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Combines protein-rich ground beef with nutritious potatoes and colorful bell peppers, creating a balanced dish that provides essential nutrients and keeps you full.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients that are typically found in most kitchen pantries, making this meal cost-effective without compromising on taste and quality.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a satisfying and filling foundation for the recipe.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth, sweetness, and vibrant color to the skillet.
• Green Onions: A garnish that provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and crisp texture.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Hot Sauce: A complex blend of seasonings that create a rich, layered taste profile with hints of tanginess, smokiness, and subtle heat.

• Canola Oil: A neutral cooking oil that helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning of ingredients.

• Greek Yogurt, Shredded Cheese, Rice: Complementary side items that can enhance the meal's texture and provide additional flavor options.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up The Skillet

Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing a perfect cooking surface for your delicious ground beef and potato dish.

Step 2: Crisp The Potato Cubes

Add diced potatoes to the hot skillet, stirring occasionally until they become golden brown and start to soften, creating a delightful crispy texture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Introduce ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the meat transforms into a rich, deep brown color with appetizing caramelized edges.

Step 4: Enhance With Colorful Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Red bell pepper

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors, adding depth to the dish.

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Hot sauce

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a mouthwatering flavor profile.

Step 6: Marry The Flavors

Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting all the seasonings mingle and intensify their delicious characteristics.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Top the skillet with sliced green onions and serve piping hot.

Consider pairing with optional accompaniments like Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, or fluffy rice for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Pat diced potatoes completely dry before cooking to ensure crispy, golden-brown edges that add delicious texture and flavor.
• Break ground beef into smaller pieces while cooking to prevent steaming and achieve better caramelization for richer taste.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity to match personal heat preference, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
• Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to intensify their aromatic qualities and create more complex taste profiles.
• Chop vegetables and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

Variations on Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Scramble: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking technique for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hash: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the rich, savory flavor profile intact.
• Mediterranean Lamb Skillet: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, add fresh mint, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired interpretation of the original recipe.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Hash: Use ground turkey instead of beef, add diced jalapeños, cumin, and top with cilantro and queso fresco for a zesty southwest variation.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Quick Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty ground beef and potato skillet with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness and nutrition.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to transform this dish into an even more satisfying comfort food experience.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Top with extra hot sauce, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro for a zesty flavor explosion that kicks the recipe up a notch.
• Healthy Side Strategy: Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted seasonal vegetables to boost the nutritional profile and create a well-rounded dinner plate.

Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Shepherd’s Pie blends savory ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes in a classic comfort dish. Rich layers of seasoned meat and velvety potato topping create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound 93% lean ground beef

Starch:

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes (Yukon golds recommended)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 – 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as sriracha), plus additional for serving

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice

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Instructions

1. Warm canola oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat until shimmering.
2. Introduce diced potatoes to the skillet, gently tossing every few minutes until they transform into golden, tender morsels (approximately 10-12 minutes).
3. Incorporate ground beef, crumbling and browning the meat thoroughly while stirring frequently.
4. Fold in finely chopped onion and vibrant red bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and tender (around 5-6 minutes).
5. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce, blend in Dijon mustard, sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper. Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
7. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve piping hot. Consider complementing the dish with creamy Greek yogurt, sprinkled shredded cheese, or fluffy rice as optional accompaniments.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this hearty dish.
• Use cast iron skillet for better heat distribution and a more robust, caramelized flavor on potatoes and meat.
• Consider swapping regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutritional value and a slightly different taste profile.
• Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 322 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg