Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Quick Ground Beef + Potatoes (1-Pan Dinner) is the winner in my weeknight dinner rotation! This dish is not just another meal; it’s a comforting blend of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes that come together in one pan. It’s truly magical how the flavors meld during cooking, creating a delightful family dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Plus, you don’t have to spend all night cleaning up after—just one pan, and you’re done!
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I made this recipe. A damp, rainy evening was winding down, and I wanted something warm and hearty. This dish was a lifesaver. The aroma of sizzling onions and garlic filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel like home. Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes have since become a staple in our household, and I can guarantee it will swiftly become a new favorite for you, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This one-pan wonder takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of smoky paprika and savory beef creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that hits the spot.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A golden layer of melted cheese on top makes this dish not just delicious but beautiful to serve.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps sauté the onions and beef, adding richness. Feel free to substitute with canola or vegetable oil if necessary.
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Using lean beef reduces excess grease while keeping the dish flavorful. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: This enhances the flavors; adjust to taste based on your preference.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a robust aroma and flavor; you can use garlic powder in a pinch but fresh is best.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: The sweetness of yellow onion balances the meat. White or red onions can be used based on your preference.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a delicious smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. If you’re out, regular paprika works too.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor; you can use pre-ground if necessary.
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes: These potatoes are creamy and don’t need peeling, making them perfect. Russet potatoes can be used as an alternative.
- 1 cup water: This helps the potatoes steam to tender perfection. Add more if necessary during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang; feel free to leave this out if you’re not a mustard fan.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides depth and umami. Vegetarian versions are available if needed.
- 4 tablespoons ketchup: A hint of sweetness from ketchup rounds out the dish; swap with tomato sauce in a hurry.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: The star ingredient that adds gooeyness on top—feel free to try mozzarella or a cheese blend too!
How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F. If you want a simpler stovetop version, you can skip this step and serve straight from the pan.
Sauté Beef and Onions: Heat a large heavy-bottom, non-stick skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the finely diced yellow onion, followed by the 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Break apart the meat with a spoon and cook for 5-8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, stirring occasionally.
Cook Potatoes: Remove the beef mixture from the pan and set aside. In the same pan (no need to wash), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the 1 ½ pounds of chopped Yukon Gold potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook on medium to medium-high heat for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
Steam Potatoes: Add ¼ cup water to the pan, cover, and cook, stirring frequently, until the potatoes are just tender, about 15-20 minutes. If they begin to stick to the bottom, simply add additional water, ¼ cup at a time.
Combine Ingredients: When the potatoes are tender, stir in the cooked beef mixture along with 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 4 tablespoons ketchup. If the pan seems dry, add another ¼ cup of water.
Add Cheese and Bake: Mix half of the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the beef and potato mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top evenly and bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until melted and bubbly.
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in a microwave until hot, about 3-5 minutes. Just know the texture may slightly change upon reheating, but you can bring back some flavor by adding a splash of beef broth.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoiding Dryness: Keep an eye on your potatoes while they cook; if they’re sticking, a little more water will help.
- Cheese Choices: For a fun twist, mix in some pepper jack cheese for a little kick!
- Meal Prep: This dish holds up well, making it a perfect choice for meal prepping for a busy week.
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, right before serving for extra freshness.
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is a complete dinner in one pan that hits all the right notes for comfort food. It’s versatile and allows you to get creative while keeping it simple. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices or even throw in some extra veggies for a hearty addition. The warmth this dish brings pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread, making it an inviting meal for family and friends alike.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as necessary, keeping an eye on browning.
How do I make this dish spicy?
If you’re looking to spice things up, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef. You could also sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving!
What can I serve with this dish?
While it’s hearty on its own, a fresh garden salad or some crusty garlic bread would complement the flavors perfectly. You might also enjoy pickled veggies for that extra crunch and acidity!
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the dish to cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
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📖 Recipe Card
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the irresistible flavors of Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes, a simple and hearty dish. Perfect for a quick dinner, this meal features lean beef, Yukon gold potatoes, and a gooey cheese topping, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights or as a comforting family favorite!
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large heavy-bottom, non-stick skillet with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and lean ground beef. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Break apart the beef and cook for 5-8 minutes until browned and the onion has softened, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of salt.
- Cook for 1 minute on medium to medium-high heat until fragrant, then add ¼ cup of water, cover, and cook, stirring frequently, until the potatoes are just tender but not falling apart (about 15-20 minutes). Add more water if the potatoes start to stick.
- Once potatoes are tender, return the cooked meat to the skillet along with yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir to combine, adding more water if necessary.
- Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the mixture and stir. Top with the remaining cheese, then transfer the skillet to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
For a quicker option, skip the oven step and let the cheese melt in the skillet.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese types or additional spices according to your taste.
If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
