One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
Highlighted under: Heartwarming Treats
I love making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes for dinner when I want something hearty yet simple. There's something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines tender ground beef, soft potatoes, and savory seasonings, all cooked together in one pot. It not only saves time on cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Every bite is a comforting reminder of home and will surely please the whole family. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe has your back.
When I first decided to make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes, I was busy juggling work and family life. I wanted something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The method I chose allowed the potatoes to soak up the savory juices from the beef, enhancing the overall flavor while ensuring the meat remained juicy and tender. This was a game-changer for me!
One tip I've learned over time is to sear the beef properly for that delicious caramelization, which adds depth to the dish. It’s amazing how just a few extra minutes of cooking can elevate the entire meal. Your family will love it!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling meal in just one pot
- Budget-friendly and quick to prepare
- Flavorful and satisfying with every bite
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When it comes to selecting potatoes for this dish, I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds have a creamy texture and buttery flavor that blend beautifully with the ground beef, while Russets break down slightly during cooking, adding a rustic appeal. Make sure to dice them into uniform pieces, approximately one inch, to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces may cook too quickly and become mushy, whereas larger chunks may remain undercooked.
Peeling the potatoes is optional, but I find that leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and a rustic touch to the dish. If you're short on time, using pre-diced frozen potatoes is a convenient substitute. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly, as frozen potatoes may need a few extra minutes to become tender.
A Flavorful Base
The flavor foundation of this recipe comes from the combination of beef broth, garlic, onions, and paprika. When sautéing the onions and garlic, you'll want to aim for a light golden color before moving on to the next step. This not only enhances the overall flavor but also adds a depth that's hard to beat. I always recommend using low-sodium beef broth; this allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish as you adjust seasoning later on.
Paprika is another star ingredient in this recipe. It adds warmth and a mild sweetness that balances the savory elements from the beef and broth. If you're feeling adventurous, try using smoked paprika to lend a slightly different twist to the dish. Whatever you choose, make sure to stir it in well when you combine the ingredients, allowing the spices to coat everything thoroughly and release their flavors.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a hearty dish:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Make sure all ingredients are ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to cook your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes:
Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Vegetables
Add onions and garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
Simmer
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Add Peas
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Enjoy this hearty meal with your favorite side or on its own!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Carrots or bell peppers work wonderfully in this dish.
Make-Ahead Tips
This One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the entire recipe ahead of time, portion it out, and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.
If you want to prepare it even further in advance, consider cooking the ground beef mixture without the potatoes. You can refrigerate the beef along with the seasonings, and then add in the potatoes when you're ready to cook. The potatoes can take on a slightly browner color when reheated, so for best results, reheat the beef and cook the potatoes fresh right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is substantial on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your meal! Pair it with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables for added nutrition. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and potatoes.
For a little extra kick or garnish, try topping the finished dish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese. Crumbled feta or sharp cheddar can add a delightful contrast to the hearty elements. If you're looking for more vegetables, consider adding chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking—the greens will wilt nicely without losing their texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
→ How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use lean ground beef or add more vegetables to the mix for added nutrients.
→ What can I add for extra flavor?
Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
→ Can leftovers be stored?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
I love making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes for dinner when I want something hearty yet simple. There's something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines tender ground beef, soft potatoes, and savory seasonings, all cooked together in one pot. It not only saves time on cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Every bite is a comforting reminder of home and will surely please the whole family. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe has your back.
Created by: Rhea Bennett
Recipe Type: Heartwarming Treats
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add onions and garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Carrots or bell peppers work wonderfully in this dish.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g