One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
Highlighted under: Comfort Food Love
I absolutely love making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes for a satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy! The combination of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes creates a warm, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. Plus, using just one pot means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and the flavorful blend of spices elevates the simple ingredients into something truly delicious. Join me on this journey to create a hearty meal in just one simple pot!
When I first tried this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes dish, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it turned out. I experimented with various seasonings and found that a touch of garlic and paprika really enhances the dish, giving it a lovely depth of flavor. I remember the first time I made it for my family; they couldn't believe it was all pulled together in just one pot!
One of the tips I discovered along the way is to let the potatoes cook until they are golden and slightly crispy on the outside. This little addition takes the texture to the next level, making every bite satisfying. I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners
- Minimal cleanup with just one pot to wash
- Packed with flavor from simple ingredients and spices
Master the Potatoes
When selecting potatoes for this dish, I recommend using waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Their creamy texture holds up beautifully during cooking, providing a satisfying bite without turning mushy. Dicing them into uniform pieces ensures that they'll cook evenly, which is critical for a harmonious dish. Aiming for 1-inch cubes allows for tender potatoes in the time it takes to simmer the beef mixture.
For added flavor, don't hesitate to parboil your diced potatoes for about 5 minutes before adding them to the pot. This pre-cooking step helps to soften them slightly and allows them to absorb the savory broth flavor more effectively, resulting in a richer taste. Keep an eye on them, though; you want them partially cooked but still firm enough to retain their shape.
The Flavor Building Process
The key to the rich flavor in One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes lies in the layering of ingredients. Start by browning the beef thoroughly until it is a deep brown hue; this caramelization adds depth and richness. Don't rush this step, as a good sear takes about 5-7 minutes. If you notice the beef sticking, adding a splash of broth can help lift the browned bits off the pot's bottom, infusing additional flavor into the dish.
Once you add the aromatics—onion, garlic, and bell pepper—be sure to sauté them until they are translucent and fragrant, which usually takes an additional 3–4 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a fragrant base for the rest of the ingredients. A pinch of salt at this stage helps draw out moisture from the vegetables, intensifying their natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a flavorful one-pot meal:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
With these ingredients ready, you're set to make a delicious meal!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes:
Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Combine Ingredients
Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cook Together
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve
Once cooked, remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers from this dish store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is a breeze; simply place the desired amount in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If you find the mixture too dry upon reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to revive the original texture and flavor moisture.
For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Just remember that potatoes can change texture slightly after freezing, so you'll want to consume them within a few weeks for best quality.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side to balance the meal. The crunchy freshness of vegetables complements the hearty, savory flavors of the dish nicely. Additionally, you can serve it with crusty bread for dipping—perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving can elevate the flavor profile even more. You can also experiment with cheese; adding shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking allows it to melt into the dish, creating an even richer and creamier texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work great in this recipe and add a nice sweetness.
→ Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen! Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
I absolutely love making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes for a satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy! The combination of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes creates a warm, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. Plus, using just one pot means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and the flavorful blend of spices elevates the simple ingredients into something truly delicious. Join me on this journey to create a hearty meal in just one simple pot!
Created by: Keira Thompson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food Love
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Once cooked, remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 28g