Ground Beef and Potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes, creating a filling and flavorful meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly option for the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, wholesome dish that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and onion mixture.
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Pour in the beef broth and add the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
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Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
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Stir occasionally to make sure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.
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Once the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined, remove from heat and serve warm.
Nutrients
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
The History of Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ground beef has been a staple in many cuisines worldwide for centuries, and potatoes have long been a popular side dish due to their versatility and availability. The pairing of the two in a single dish has its roots in many different cultures that have relied on inexpensive, accessible ingredients to create hearty meals. In the United States, ground beef and potatoes became a classic dinner combination during the 20th century, especially with the rise of convenience cooking and the need for affordable family meals.
Ground Beef and Potatoes, in particular, is a dish that transcends regions, with different variations and seasonings depending on the location. From the classic American skillet meals to European variations where potatoes and beef are slow-cooked together, this dish has evolved over time but has always remained a comforting, filling option for home cooks everywhere.
Why Ground Beef and Potatoes Makes the Perfect Meal
One of the reasons Ground Beef and Potatoes has become such a beloved meal is due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef is rich and savory, while the potatoes, whether crisped up or soft and tender, provide a satisfying, comforting base. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for extravagant ingredients or long, complicated cooking times. It’s a one-pan meal that gets everything done in one skillet, which means less clean-up and more time spent enjoying the meal.
Another benefit of this dish is how customizable it is. While the basic recipe calls for just ground beef, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a few seasonings, the beauty of Ground Beef and Potatoes is that it can easily be adapted to suit different preferences. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for an extra burst of color and nutrition. Spices and herbs can be adjusted to match your taste—whether you prefer a bit of heat from chili flakes, a touch of sweetness from paprika, or a burst of freshness from herbs like thyme or rosemary, you have the freedom to make it your own.
The Nutritional Benefits of Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ground Beef and Potatoes is a dish that provides a solid foundation of nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a balanced meal. Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. It also provides important minerals like iron and zinc, which help in supporting a healthy metabolism and boosting the immune system. Potatoes, on the other hand, are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which are great for energy and digestive health. They are also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper muscle function.
The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber makes this dish a great option for anyone looking for a meal that will keep them full and satisfied without weighing them down. For those who are watching their calories or seeking a low-fat option, lean ground beef or even turkey can be substituted. Similarly, if you’re looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake, you can easily swap out the potatoes for other vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
The Versatility of Ground Beef and Potatoes
One of the best things about Ground Beef and Potatoes is its versatility. The basic recipe can be dressed up or down depending on your mood or dietary needs. For those who like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce can add the perfect amount of spice to the dish. For a richer flavor, a touch of cream or cheese can be added for a creamy, indulgent twist.
The dish is equally suited for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing comfort food for a weekend gathering. It can be served on its own, or paired with a side salad or bread for a more complete meal. Additionally, the leftovers make for an excellent lunch the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together, creating a dish that’s even more flavorful after a day in the fridge.
Customizing the Dish
There are endless ways to customize Ground Beef and Potatoes to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For a more substantial version, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutritional value, making the dish more colorful and nutrient-packed. You can also try using different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes, which will add a natural sweetness to the dish and provide additional vitamins and antioxidants.
For those looking to make the dish even heartier, you can add some grated cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt into the beef and potatoes for an extra layer of richness. You can also play around with different seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are just a few options that can elevate the flavors and give the dish a unique twist.
Making It Ahead of Time
Ground Beef and Potatoes is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days, which makes it an excellent option for meal prepping. To store it, simply let the dish cool down to room temperature and transfer it into an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat until it’s warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
For those looking to freeze the dish, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to let the dish thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ground Beef and Potatoes is perfect on its own as a filling and satisfying meal, but it can also be served with a variety of sides to create a more well-rounded dinner. A light salad with fresh greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish, while crusty bread is ideal for mopping up any remaining sauce. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans would complement the flavors of the beef and potatoes. For a more casual presentation, serve the dish in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or shredded cheese on top. This simple yet comforting meal is sure to impress your family or guests, and will quickly become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food—a simple, delicious, and satisfying dish that brings together hearty ground beef and tender potatoes in a flavorful, savory combination. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits make it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal, and it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences.