Oh, let me tell you about the magic of ground beef with potatoes! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day—comforting, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma filled the whole house, and everyone came running to the kitchen, ready to dig in. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up! Just a handful of ingredients and some love, and you’ve got yourself a meal that warms the soul. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your home too. The best part? It’s versatile, and you can easily add whatever veggies you have on hand. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Ground Beef with Potatoes
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! For this heartwarming dish, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: I prefer using a blend with some fat for flavor, but lean works too if you’re watching your intake.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced: Russets or Yukon Gold are my go-tos—they get nice and fluffy when cooked!
- 1 onion, chopped: A sweet onion adds a lovely touch, but any variety will do.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best for that aromatic punch, but jarred works in a pinch.
- 1 cup beef broth: Homemade is fabulous, but low-sodium store-bought is convenient and still delicious!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic to golden perfection.
- Salt and pepper: Season to your taste—don’t be shy, it brings everything to life!
With these simple staples, you’re all set to create a dish that’s both comforting and filling! Let’s move on to the cooking part!
How to Prepare Ground Beef with Potatoes
Now, let’s get our hands a little messy and cook up this hearty dish! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First, heat that lovely tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Oh, the smell of garlic sautéing is just divine! Sauté everything for about 3-5 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. This is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when there’s no pink left and the beef has a beautiful brown color. This adds so much flavor to our dish—yum!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to stir in the diced potatoes and pour in that rich cup of beef broth. Make sure everything is well mixed; you want the potatoes to soak up all those delicious flavors. Give it a good stir, so nothing gets left behind in the corners of the skillet!
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Finally, season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t skimp on these because they really bring the dish to life! Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This is the part where the potatoes become tender, so be sure to check them with a fork. They should be soft and melt-in-your-mouth perfect! Once they’re ready, you’ve got yourself a mouthwatering meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and filling, it’s a meal that satisfies everyone.
- Great for family gatherings, bringing everyone together.
- Customizable—add in your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
- Budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you might already have!
- Amazingly delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your ground beef with potatoes turns out absolutely fantastic! First off, don’t rush the browning of the beef; it’s where a lot of the flavor develops, so take your time with it. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped carrots or peas along with the potatoes for a pop of color and nutrition! You can also swap out the beef broth for chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor. And here’s a little secret: a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the taste even more—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Lastly, if you want to add a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while it’s simmering. Oh, and don’t forget to taste as you go—seasoning is key to making this dish truly shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This ground beef with potatoes keeps well and makes for a quick meal later. To store, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you know what you’ve got stored away!
When it comes time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. For the microwave, pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop by adding a splash of broth or water to the skillet and warming it over low heat until it’s heated through. Just be sure to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for this ground beef with potatoes recipe is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For the most accurate information, it’s always best to calculate based on your exact ingredients.
FAQ About Ground Beef with Potatoes
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and a different texture. Just be aware they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!
What other vegetables can I add?
You can get creative here! Carrots, peas, or even bell peppers work wonderfully. Just chop them up and toss them in during the potato stage.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes! This ground beef with potatoes freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like some heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it simmers. Yum!
Can I make this dish in the oven?
While it’s traditionally made on the stovetop, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes for a different twist!
Ground Beef with Potatoes: 5 Hearty Comfort Recipes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty dish made with ground beef and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in diced potatoes and beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef, potatoes, main dish
