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One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

A quick, comforting, and budget-friendly one pot meal combining tender potatoes, browned ground beef, and simple spices, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 4 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 cups beef broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Garnish

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 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 with no pink remaining. This step builds the savory flavor foundation for the dish.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the 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, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
  3. Add Potatoes and Spices: Toss in the diced potatoes along with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir well to evenly coat the potatoes and beef in the seasoning.
  4. Pour in Beef Broth: Pour beef broth over the mixture, just enough to cover the potatoes halfway. This helps the potatoes steam and cook through while blending flavors.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and have absorbed the broth’s savory juices.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve piping hot directly from the pot for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes to hold their shape better and avoid mushiness.
  • Don’t rush browning the beef as it develops deep, rich flavors.
  • Control the liquid level by starting with less broth and adding more if needed to avoid a too soupy dish.
  • Deglaze the pot with a bit of broth or water to scrape up browned bits for extra umami.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and tweaking salt, pepper, or spices for balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, ground beef, potatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, budget friendly, meal prep