Best Ground Beef and Potatoes

This best ground beef and potatoes recipe transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal that delivers maximum flavor through proper seasoning and cooking techniques. The tender potatoes absorb the savory beef juices while developing golden edges, creating a satisfying one-pan dinner that feels both rustic and refined. If you enjoy this style of hearty, budget-friendly comfort food, you might also like shepherd’s pie, beef and vegetable skillet, or other one-pot meals that make everyday ingredients taste extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly comfort – uses inexpensive, pantry-staple ingredients to create a filling meal that feeds a family generously without breaking the bank
• One-pan convenience – everything cooks together in a single skillet, allowing flavors to meld while minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency
• Perfectly seasoned satisfaction – proper browning and seasoning techniques elevate simple ingredients into something that tastes much more complex and restaurant-worthy
• Versatile foundation – serves as an excellent base that can be customized with different vegetables, seasonings, or toppings to suit various preferences

Ingredients Breakdown

Ground beef: The protein foundation that provides hearty satisfaction and rich flavor. Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture – the fat content keeps the meat moist and flavorful while providing enough rendered fat to cook the potatoes beautifully. Leaner ground beef can be used but may require additional oil for proper cooking. Break the meat into medium-sized pieces during cooking rather than fine crumbles to create better texture and more appealing appearance in the finished dish.

Russet potatoes: The ideal variety for this dish due to their high starch content and fluffy interior texture that contrasts beautifully with crispy exteriors. Choose large, uniform potatoes for consistent cooking and attractive presentation. The russets should be firm with smooth skin and no green spots or sprouting eyes. Their ability to absorb flavors while developing golden, crispy surfaces makes them perfect for skillet cooking. Cut them into uniform 3/4-inch cubes for optimal cooking time and texture.

Yellow onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth that enhances both the beef and potatoes while adding essential flavor complexity. Yellow onions offer the best balance of sweetness and sharp flavor for this savory application. Choose firm onions with papery, unblemished skin and no soft spots. The onions caramelize slightly during cooking, adding natural sweetness that balances the savory elements while contributing to the overall richness of the dish.

Garlic: Adds pungent flavor that mellows into sweet nuttiness during cooking, providing aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. Fresh garlic cloves deliver superior flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered versions. The garlic should be minced finely to ensure even distribution and prevent burning during the cooking process. The amount can be adjusted based on preference, but generous garlic enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.

Seasonings: A carefully balanced blend of herbs and spices transforms simple ingredients into something memorable. Paprika adds mild heat and beautiful color, while dried thyme provides earthy, herbaceous notes. Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing all other flavors. The seasonings should be added at different stages of cooking to build layers of flavor rather than just seasoning at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash and peel 2 pounds of russet potatoes, then cut into uniform 3/4-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces as evenly sized as possible for consistent cooking. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper browning.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. The pan should be large enough to hold all ingredients without overcrowding. Add the dried potatoes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
3. Flip the potatoes and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until golden on multiple sides but not fully cooked through. The potatoes should have nice color but still be slightly firm in the center. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate. This pre-browning creates the appealing texture and prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy later.
4. In the same skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it into medium-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until browned on most sides, stirring occasionally. Don’t break the meat into tiny pieces – larger chunks create better texture and visual appeal in the finished dish.
5. Add 1 diced medium onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion begins to soften and become translucent. The onion should start to caramelize slightly around the edges. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
6. Return the partially cooked potatoes to the skillet with the beef and onions. Add 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture without breaking up the beef too much.
7. Add 1/2 cup beef broth or water to the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These fond bits add significant flavor to the dish. The liquid will help steam the potatoes to finish cooking while creating a light sauce that binds everything together.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The liquid should be mostly absorbed, leaving just enough moisture to keep everything cohesive without being soupy.
9. Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high for the last 2-3 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid and allow the potatoes to develop additional browning. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. The dish should be well-seasoned with all components tender and flavorful.
10. Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired for color and freshness. Serve hot directly from the skillet for the most appealing presentation and optimal temperature.

Perfect Texture: What to Look For

Successfully executed ground beef and potatoes should have tender, fluffy potato interiors with golden-brown exteriors that provide textural contrast. The ground beef should be well-browned with distinct pieces that maintain their shape rather than being broken down into tiny crumbles. The onions should be soft and slightly caramelized, adding sweetness and depth to each bite. The overall mixture should be cohesive but not wet or soupy, with just enough moisture to bind the ingredients without making them swimming in liquid. Each component should retain its individual character while harmonizing with the others.

Customization Options

This versatile base recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and available ingredients. For extra vegetables, add diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery with the onions. Create a Mexican-inspired version by adding cumin, chili powder, and diced jalapeños, then topping with cheese and fresh cilantro. For comfort food enhancement, add frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking, or top with shredded cheese and let it melt. Different potato varieties like Yukon Gold create creamier textures, while sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and additional nutrition.

Practical Tips

Potato preparation: Soaking cut potatoes in cold water removes excess starch that can cause sticking, while thorough drying ensures proper browning. Don’t skip the pre-browning step, which creates the appealing texture that makes this dish special rather than just boiled potatoes and meat.

Heat management: Maintain proper heat levels throughout cooking – too high and the exteriors burn before interiors cook; too low and you won’t achieve the desirable browning and caramelization that adds flavor depth.

Even cooking: Cut all ingredients to similar sizes for consistent cooking times. If your potatoes are browning too quickly, reduce heat and add the liquid earlier to prevent burning while ensuring the interiors cook through.

Storage and reheating: Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.

Common Questions

Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes, though each variety produces different results. Yukon Gold potatoes create creamier texture, while red potatoes hold their shape well but don’t absorb flavors as readily. Russets remain the best choice for the ideal balance of fluffy interior and crispy exterior.

Why are my potatoes mushy? This usually results from overcooking, cutting them too small, or not pre-browning them properly. Ensure potatoes are cut to uniform 3/4-inch pieces, brown them first, and don’t overcook during the covered simmering phase.

Can I make this ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately and combine just before final cooking. Pre-brown the potatoes and store them separately, then combine everything for the final cooking stage when ready to serve.

How do I prevent sticking? Use enough oil for proper browning, ensure the pan is properly heated before adding ingredients, and don’t move the potatoes too soon during initial browning. A well-seasoned cast-iron or non-stick pan helps prevent sticking issues.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish works beautifully as a complete meal on its own, providing protein, vegetables, and starch in satisfying proportions. For family dinners, serve it directly from the skillet with warm bread or dinner rolls for a rustic, comforting presentation. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors while adding color and nutrition to the meal.

For more formal occasions, transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs for elevated presentation. The dish pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli or green beans that complement without competing with the hearty flavors. Cold beer or simple red wine works well for adult diners, while the kid-friendly flavors make this an excellent family meal option.

Nutritional Benefits

This satisfying dish provides excellent nutritional balance by combining lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in appealing proportions. Ground beef contributes complete protein, iron, and B vitamins essential for energy metabolism and muscle maintenance. Potatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, particularly when the skins are left on for additional nutrition.

The onions and garlic contribute beneficial compounds that support immune function and cardiovascular health, while the one-pan cooking method preserves nutrients better than methods requiring multiple cooking steps. By controlling the preparation and avoiding processed ingredients, you create a wholesome meal that provides genuine nutrition alongside comfort food satisfaction. The generous vegetable content helps balance the meal while the reasonable portion sizes support healthy eating habits without sacrificing the hearty, satisfying character that makes this dish so appealing.