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+ servings
image of ground beef potatoes onions garlic olive oil cheddar cheese bell peppers paprika black pepper salt Worcestershire sauce beef broth mushroom soup milk heavy cream eggs green onions fresh parsley butter mustard hot sauce bacon cumin oregano chili powder arranged on white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes

A comforting, fuss-free weeknight meal featuring savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil like canola
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85-90% lean
  • 4 large Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup beef broth
For the Seasonings
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper freshly cracked, to taste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard secret ingredient for savory depth
Optional Cheesy Finish
  • 1 cup shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Garnish
  • fresh green onions/scallions chopped
  • fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Heavy-Bottomed Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Dice the Yukon gold potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. Pat the lean ground beef lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better browning.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season moderately with salt and pepper, and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Push the meat to one side. Add the diced onion to the clearing and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant. If dry, add a tiny pat of butter.
  4. Stir everything together. Add smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute to let spices bloom.
  5. Add cubed potatoes and stir to coat. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover tightly, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir halfway through.
  7. Remove lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook 3-5 minutes to evaporate liquid and crisp up, stirring occasionally.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top, cover, and let melt for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 38gFat: 22g

Notes

This one-skillet recipe reduces cleanup while allowing flavors to meld. Use lean ground beef to keep it nourishing without excess grease. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze without cheese for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet for best results to regain crispiness. Pairs well with a simple green salad or sautéed green beans.
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