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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: one pot, ground beef, potatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, budget friendly, meal prep