One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Favorites
I love creating hearty meals that combine comfort and convenience, and this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a satisfying dish that brings together tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and aromatic herbs, all cooked in just one pot! With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. I guarantee your family will be asking for seconds after just one bite!
When I first made this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes, I was amazed at how quickly dinner came together. Combining all the ingredients in a single pot not only saved time but also allowed the flavors to meld beautifully. I particularly love using fresh herbs, which elevate the dish and make every bite a delight.
This recipe has become my go-to for weeknight meals because it requires minimal supervision. While the dish simmers, I can focus on setting the table or preparing a simple salad. Trust me, your family will love this meal as much as mine does!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick cleanup with just one pot to wash
- Hearty flavors that satisfy the whole family
- Versatile - perfect for any occasion!
The Importance of Choosing the Right Potatoes
For this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe, selecting the right type of potatoes is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor. I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as they are starchy and will absorb the flavors of the dish beautifully. Cut them into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. You’ll want them to be fork-tender by the end of the simmering process, which typically takes about 20 minutes.
Avoid using waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape too well and won't contribute to the creamy texture you want in this dish. If you need a quick shortcut, consider using frozen diced potatoes, but adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster than fresh potatoes.
Why Ground Beef is the Star of the Dish
Ground beef is not just a protein source in this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes; it’s also the backbone of its robust flavor profile. When cooking, make sure to sear the beef well until it’s browned, as this technique enhances the Maillard reaction, giving your dish a deeper, more savory taste. If you prefer a leaner option, swapping regular ground beef for ground turkey or chicken works well, but be aware these meats may require a bit more seasoning to achieve a similar flavor.
If you’re looking to add variety to this recipe, consider incorporating different ground meats like lamb or pork. Just remember that the cooking times might slightly vary, particularly if you choose fattier options, as they will release more grease, which may require you to adjust the amount of olive oil you initially add.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes:
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
Cook the Beef
Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer and Finish
Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If using, stir in frozen peas just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary towards the end of cooking. This brings a bright freshness to the dish!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to bring back the moisture and prevent it from drying out. If you prepare a larger batch, consider freezing portions in individual containers; it can be stored for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen portions, simply allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may find that the potatoes soften a bit more during reheating, blending even more beautifully with the beef.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this recipe according to your family’s taste preferences. You can add diced bell peppers or carrots along with the onions for extra vegetables and sweetness. Alternatively, consider swapping the beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter take or using vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (replace the beef with a plant-based meat alternative).
For a spice kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This will balance the creamy texture of the potatoes with a bit of heat. Experimenting with these variations can provide a fresh twist each time you make this hearty dish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter substitute.
→ How can I make this dish more filling?
You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and bulk it up.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container.
One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
I love creating hearty meals that combine comfort and convenience, and this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a satisfying dish that brings together tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and aromatic herbs, all cooked in just one pot! With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. I guarantee your family will be asking for seconds after just one bite!
Created by: Madison Cole
Recipe Type: Cozy Kitchen Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If using, stir in frozen peas just before serving.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary towards the end of cooking. This brings a bright freshness to the dish!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g