One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

If you’re craving a meal that is both heartwarming and incredibly simple to prepare, look no further than this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe. Whip up a quick and hearty dinner with this easy One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe, perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but flavor cannot be compromised. This dish brings together tender potatoes, savory browned beef, and a blend of spices in one comforting pot that’s full of satisfying textures and robust taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Everything cooks together in one pot, saving time on both cooking and cleanup.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Comfort Food Vibes: Hearty and filling, this dish feels like a warm hug after a long day.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully for a quick next-day meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role in building a balanced dish that is both nourishing and delicious.

• Ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference for fat content and richness.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Infuses the meal with a warm, aromatic base.
• Beef broth or stock: Enhances the savory flavors and prevents dryness.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and sauté vegetables for extra flavor.
• Spices: Basic seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme bring out the dish’s character without overwhelming.
• Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish to add a hint of freshness and color.

Variations for One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

The beauty of this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to easily tweak it based on what you have at home or your taste preferences. Let your creativity shine with these simple modifications.

• Swap the beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
• Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, peas, or green beans for added color and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Include chili powder or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Dairy twist: Stir in some cheese toward the end for a creamy, rich finish.
• Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary, oregano, or basil instead of thyme to customize the flavor profile.

How to Make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. This step builds the savory flavor foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Stir frequently and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This adds sweetness and depth to the overall taste.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Spices

Next, toss in diced potatoes along with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir everything together to coat the potatoes and beef evenly in the flavorful seasoning.

Step 4: Pour in Beef Broth

Pour the beef broth over the mixture just enough to cover the potatoes halfway. This helps the potatoes steam and cook through while incorporating all the savory juices from the beef.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and have absorbed the savory broth.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve it piping hot straight from the pot for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Choose the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes hold their shape better and prevent mushiness.
• Don’t rush the browning: Thoroughly browning the beef develops deep, rich flavor.
• Control liquid levels: Start with less broth and add more if needed to avoid a soupy dish.
• Deglaze the pot: Use broth or water to scrape up browned bits from the bottom for extra umami.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste and tweak salt, pepper, or spices once the dish is nearly done for balance.

How to Serve One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives add a burst of green and freshness, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream can introduce indulgent creaminess to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty meal with a crisp garden salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add lightness and balance to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve directly from the pot family-style to highlight its comfort-food appeal, or plate it individually with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh twist that elevates the everyday dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping flavors fresh and textures firm.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months—perfect for quick meals when you need them most.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture if it has thickened, or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?

Yes, although waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well during cooking, you can try russets, but they may become softer and more crumbly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes freeze well. Just ensure it cools completely before freezing and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pot?

Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering and use enough broth or liquid to keep the potatoes from drying out and sticking to the bottom.

What side dishes go well with One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes?

Simple sides like a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread complement the rich and hearty nature of the dish perfectly, creating a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a true weeknight hero that brings together simplicity, flavor, and comfort in one easy dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for a busy week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how satisfying each bite tastes!

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