Name: One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb ground beef; 1 lb potatoes (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp paprika; ¼ tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp cumin; Salt & black pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup water or beef broth; Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

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The aroma of spiced beef mingling with tender potatoes wafts through your kitchen, creating a warm embrace that feels like home on a chilly evening. Each bite brings a comforting combination of hearty flavors and satisfying textures that wrap you in nostalgia, evoking memories of family dinners growing up. As you catch a glimpse of this fragrant one-pot wonder bubbling away, it’s impossible not to feel excited. With One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes, you have a cozy meal that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart — perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without hours of prep. Grab your skillet and let’s create some unforgettable memories in the kitchen!

Table of Contents

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

This recipe isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about creating joy and comfort together. Why not dive into this delightful experience? You’ll discover how simple ingredients can transform into a hearty feast that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re rushing home from work or simply want to whip up a nourishing meal, this dish is your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: From start to finish, it’s ready in about 45 minutes, making it incredibly convenient for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: A savory blend of spices and tender beef creates a dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden potatoes and vibrant garnishes make this meal as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a comforting family dinner or an easy take-along meal for potlucks.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to suit gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ lb ground beef: This forms the hearty base of the dish. You can use lean beef for a healthier option or ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
1 lb potatoes (diced): Fresh, whole potatoes create a satisfying texture. Choose Yukon Gold or red potatoes for creaminess. If you prefer, you can use frozen diced potatoes.
1 medium onion (diced): Adds depth of flavor and sweetness. A yellow onion works beautifully, but feel free to use a white onion if you have it on hand.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic elevates the taste and adds fragrant warmth. Don’t substitute with garlic powder, as fresh makes all the difference.
2 tsp paprika: Sweet or smoked paprika enhances the dish’s color and flavor. Smoked paprika can add a lovely depth of flavor.
¼ tsp dried thyme: This herb brings an earthy note. If you have fresh thyme, feel free to use that — just double the amount.
1 tsp dried oregano: A classic herb for savory dishes, it gives this recipe an aromatic flair.
½ tsp cumin: Cumin adds an exciting warmth. If you’re not a fan, you can omit it.
Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Remember to adjust to your preference.
2 tbsp butter: For richness and flavor. You can use olive oil or margarine if preferred.
1 cup water or beef broth: Broth adds more depth; however, water works just fine for a lighter option.
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish): A sprinkle of freshness brings this dish to life.

How to Make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Heat and Brown: Start by heating a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half of the butter and let it melt. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned all over, about 8-10 minutes. This step caramelizes the meat, contributing a rich flavor.

Season Ground Beef: Once browned, season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the paprika, thyme, oregano, and cumin to coat the meat evenly. Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and set it aside. This allows the spices to infuse the meat, creating robust flavors.

Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. The onions not only provide flavor but also sweetness as they cook down. Add the garlic next, stirring for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn!

Add Potatoes: Next, introduce the diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden and soften slightly. You can cover the skillet to trap the heat and speed up the cooking process, allowing them to tenderize faster.

Pour in Liquid: Carefully pour in the water or beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor! Allow everything to come to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally.

Combine and Heat: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to combine everything. Let it cook together for an additional 4 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. This quick mix ensures everything is heated through and ready to serve.

Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions. This adds a pop of color and freshness to each serving. Enjoy it hot on its own, or pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! Store any leftover One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheating is easy—just microwave it for about 2-3 minutes or heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to refresh the moisture. While flavors will still be delightful, be prepared for the potatoes’ texture to soften slightly upon reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the beef to keep it tender; once browned, set it aside promptly.
For perfect potato texture, cut them uniformly to ensure even cooking.
If using frozen potatoes, reduce the cooking time slightly as they may soften quicker.
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
If flavors could use a boost, a splash of Worcestershire sauce right before serving adds a wonderful depth.
This dish can also be made ahead; simply reheat it when ready to serve.

Your family will love how easy and satisfying this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes meal is! The cozy comfort of fully seasoned beef paired with hearty potatoes makes it a winner every time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can also work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as they can cook a bit faster than beef. Additionally, if you prefer vegetarian options, crumbled tempeh or mushrooms make great substitutes.

What can I serve with this dish?

This one-pot meal is often satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for balanced nutrition. A loaf of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are excellent choices for scooping up the delicious flavors.

How can I adjust the level of spice?

To make this meal milder, reduce or omit the cumin and paprika. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can spice things up nicely!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheating is easy; just be sure to add a little moisture when heating to prevent it from drying out.