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Ground Beef and Potatoes

Ground Beef and Potatoes
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A comforting and versatile ground beef and potatoes dish that is quick, budget-friendly, and packed with rich, hearty flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this recipe is easy to customize with spices, herbs, and veggies, and can be prepared as a skillet meal, casserole, or stew.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean to medium-fat ground beef
  • 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Optional Herbs and Spices

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp rosemary
  • Chili flakes, to taste

Variation Add-Ins (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for Mexican or Italian versions)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for casserole)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
  • Substitute potatoes with 4 cups cauliflower florets (low-carb alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking. Chop the onions and mince the garlic to blend flavors fully.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if preferred.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes, to build a savory base.
  4. Cook Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs and spices. Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Finish and Serve: Give the dish a final stir to combine all ingredients well. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle cheese on top for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use uniform potato pieces to ensure even cooking without underdone chunks.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown the ground beef in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
  • Season at multiple stages to enhance the overall depth of flavor.
  • Cover the pan when cooking potatoes to trap steam and soften faster while locking in moisture.
  • Adding a splash of broth or tomato sauce can create a nice sauce and keep the mixture juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, potatoes, quick dinner, family meal, budget-friendly, one-pan meal, comfort food, skillet dish

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/ground-beef-and-potatoes/