One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Ah, the cozy embrace of comfort food! There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out, especially on a chilly evening. Let me take you on a little journey through my kitchen, where the aromas of sizzling onions and savory beef mingle, creating a dish that’s not just a meal, but a memory. This One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes is my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me; once you experience the depth of flavors and the ease of preparation, this will become one of your beloved recipes.

Reasons to try it

You might be wondering what makes this dish stand out in the vast sea of comfort foods. Well, for starters, it’s a meal that offers simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Imagine tender chunks of potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and aromatic garlic melting together in a symphonic blend of taste. It’s not just about eating; it’s about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and savoring those hearty flavors.

Not to mention, the convenience of a one-pot dish means less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans. Each bite is a reminder of why home cooking is so cherished. It’s affordable, filling, and adaptable—perfect for families or anyone craving a little warmth after a long day. Plus, should you happen to have leftovers, it’s the type of comfort that gets even better the next day!

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish. Here’s the list:

• 1 pound ground beef: The star of the show! Opt for lean beef to keep it healthy without sacrificing juiciness.
• 4 medium potatoes: Diced and ready to soak up all those flavors. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully here.
• 1 onion: Chopped. Not just for flavor but for that comforting essence that makes you feel at home.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Because what’s a savory dish without the magical touch of garlic?
• 1 cup beef broth: This will bring everything together—use homemade if you have it, but store-bought works perfectly too!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust as needed based on your taste!
• 1 teaspoon pepper: For a little kick.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness; feel free to go for smoked paprika for extra depth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing—don’t skimp here.
• 1 cup green beans (optional): Fresh or frozen, they give a nice crunch and pop of color.

The cooking process explained

Ready to dive in? Here’s how this recipe comes together, step by step:

1. Heat your pot: In a large pot, drizzle in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
2. Sauté your aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until they become fragrant and the onions soften up—about 2-3 minutes.
3. Brown the beef: Crumble in that ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as you go to ensure even cooking. This is where you start smelling that glorious savory scent!
4. Mix in the goods: Toss in the diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give it all a good stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Get boiling: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the potatoes will absorb all those flavors and become perfectly tender.
6. Add green beans (optional): If you’re using green beans, toss them in for the last 5 minutes of cooking; they’ll be vibrant and just tender-crisp.
7. Serve it up: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, preferably with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious broth.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your perfect One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes is ready, how should you serve it? A generous helping in a warm bowl is a must, but don’t forget a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant contrast. Pair it with a simple side salad for a refreshing crunch, or go ahead and serve it alongside some buttery dinner rolls. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors to a whole new level!

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is pretty unlikely since it’s so good!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to keep it from drying out. Just remember to keep it safe—never leave food out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours!

Pro chef tips

Here are some insider secrets to take your dish to the next level! For extra depth, consider toasting your spices in the olive oil before adding the onions and garlic. This releases their natural oils and intensifies the flavors. If you’re feeling bold, throw in some diced bell peppers or carrots for a little more veggie goodness! And if you love heat, some red pepper flakes could give it a nice kick.

Creative Twists

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Want to make it Mexican? Swap out the beef for chorizo, add black beans, and toss in some cumin. For a Mediterranean flair, utilize ground lamb, include olives, and sprinkle some feta cheese on top just before serving. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup green beans (optional)

Directions to follow

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add the ground beef; cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. If using, add green beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does this meal take to prepare?
It typically takes about 10-15 minutes of prep and then approximately 25-30 minutes of cooking time.

Q: Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and can even be frozen, making it perfect for meal prep.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this?
Definitely! Swap the beef for lentils or a mix of your favorite beans and opt for vegetable broth instead.

Q: What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to throw in carrots, peas, or even corn for a pop of sweetness and extra nutrition.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
Of course! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute, just adjust the cooking time accordingly as they might cook faster.

Cooking is all about enjoyment—your flavors, your choices, and that satisfying feeling when you sit down to enjoy your creation. This One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe isn’t just food; it’s a chance to connect with loved ones. So embrace the process, make it your own, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

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One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy High Protein Non Vegetarian W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Winter

Description

A simple and satisfying one-pot meal featuring ground beef and tender potatoes, perfect for chilly evenings.

Main Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (Opt for lean beef for a healthier option.)
• 4 medium potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work well.)
• 1 unit onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth (Homemade is best, but store-bought is fine.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (Smoked paprika for extra depth.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing.)
• 1 cup green beans (optional) (Fresh or frozen.)

Cooking Instructions

Steps

1. Heat Olive Oil

   In a large pot, drizzle in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté Aromatics

   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
   About 2-3 minutes.
   Mark as complete

3. Brown the Beef

   Crumble in the ground beef and cook until browned.
   Break it up for even cooking.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix in Ingredients

   Toss in the diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
   Mark as complete

5. Simmer

   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
   Potatoes should be tender.
   Mark as complete

6. Add Green Beans

   If using, add green beans for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
   They should be vibrant and tender-crisp.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, possibly with crusty bread.
   A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is a nice touch.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 2g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 2 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 4 mg

Iron 15 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 15 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This recipe is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables or swap proteins as desired.

Keywords: one pot, ground beef, potatoes, comfort food, easy recipe