Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate one-pan dinner, perfect for busy nights. This dish combines the hearty flavors of lean ground beef and tender Yukon Gold potatoes, all harmonized with aromatic spices and melty cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s incredibly easy to whip up, yet tantalizing enough to satisfy those with a savory palate. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just a cozy dinner for two, this recipe guarantees a delicious experience in less than an hour!
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes during a week when my schedule was overflowing. On one particularly hectic evening, I needed a meal that would be quick but still feel warm and comforting—just like mom used to make. With a few simple ingredients, I created this delightful one-pan wonder, and it has quickly become a go-to meal in my kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors captivates everyone, making it a meal worth serving again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, this dish comes together in under an hour.
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory ground beef pairs perfectly with the soft, creamy potatoes, all topped off with sharp cheddar cheese, lending a delightful tang.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Just picture a bubbling skillet filled with golden-brown potatoes and glistening cheese; it’s hard to resist!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering with friends and family.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs—swap out the beef for ground turkey or use dairy-free cheese if you prefer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for frying and adding richness to the dish. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil if desired.
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Provides protein and flavor; you can use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Enhances flavor balance; sea salt can be used as a substitute.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic essence; fresh garlic delivers more flavor than pre-minced options.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth; white onions can work too.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness; sweet paprika is a good alternative if you prefer a milder taste.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and complexity; adjust to taste.
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: Offers creaminess without peeling; russet potatoes are a good alternative but may need more moisture.
- 1 cup water: Helps steam the potatoes; adjust based on how soft you like them.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds a tangy zest; honey mustard can add extra sweetness if desired.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami flavor; soy sauce can be a good substitute.
- 4 tablespoons ketchup: Balances the savory elements with sweetness. Tomato paste may work in a pinch, though the texture will differ.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Melts beautifully and adds robust flavor; any cheese that melts well can be used.
How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step can be skipped if you prefer to finish it all on the stovetop; however, the oven helps meld the flavors nicely.
Cook Beef Mixture: Heat a large, heavy-bottom non-stick skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the diced onion and lean ground beef. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika. As the ingredients cook, use a spoon to break the beef apart while stirring. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes until the beef is browned, and the onions are soft and fragrant.
Prepare Potatoes: Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes. Lightly sprinkle with an additional teaspoon of salt and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.
Steam Potatoes: Pour in ¼ cup of water, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to medium. Stir occasionally, allowing the potatoes to steam until they are tender but not falling apart, which should take roughly 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and add extra water, ¼ cup at a time if they begin to stick.
Combine Ingredients: Once the potatoes are cooked through, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, stirring to blend everything together. If the mixture appears dry, feel free to add another ¼ cup of water to keep things moist and flavorful.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over the beef and potato combination, stirring well to ensure the cheese melts into the mix. Then, top with the remaining cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully melted.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or heat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through. Note that while freezing is fine, the potatoes may become slightly softer after thawing, but a quick reheat will refresh the flavors beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to not overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef; this ensures even browning.
- For a little spice, toss in some red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- If you find the mixture too thick, add a bit more water to keep it saucy and delicious.
- If you want to save time, consider using pre-diced frozen potatoes—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Feel free to toss in veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color!
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace at the dinner table that brings everyone together. The rich, savory flavors, combined with the gooey cheese and tender potatoes, set the stage for a comforting dining experience that’s nothing short of delightful. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices or veggies based on your preference—every batch can be a little different, but always delicious!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meats for a vegetarian version.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can work just fine. You may also want to add a pinch of cayenne for a hint of heat if desired.
How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?
The potatoes should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still maintain their shape. If they start to break apart, they might be overcooked.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, store it in the fridge, and then bake just before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prepping!
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📖 Recipe Card
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is a tasty one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish brings delightful flavors together with minimal prep and cooking time, ensuring a comforting dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds yukon gold or russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large heavy-bottom, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, diced onion, and ground beef.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika, breaking the meat apart. Cook for 5-8 minutes until browned and the onion is softened.
- Remove the cooked meat and set aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped potatoes, seasoning with the remaining teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ¼ cup of water, cover, and cook, stirring often until potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 15-20 minutes. Add more water if they stick to the pan.
- Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked meat to the pan along with yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir to combine, adding more water if needed.
- Mix in half of the grated cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to use any type of cheese you like for a different flavor.
For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
This dish can be easily customized with vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Just add them when cooking the potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
