One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
Highlighted under: Hearty Home Cooking
I love how easy it is to prepare a hearty meal with just one pot. One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes is a dish that has quickly become a family favorite in our home. Combining savory ground beef with tender potatoes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a satisfying dinner. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! With everything cooking together, you get a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
When I first tried making One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes, I wasn’t sure it would pack the flavor punch I was looking for. To my delight, the combination of spices and the natural juiciness of the beef made every bite delicious. I always use fresh ingredients and make sure to brown the meat well before adding the potatoes, as this creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
One tip I learned during my recipe testing is to let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to develop even further and makes for a more cohesive meal. I often pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete dinner that feels satisfying without being overly heavy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience for easy cooking and cleanup
- Savory beef combined with tender potatoes for a comforting meal
- A delightful medley of spices that elevate the flavors
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Potatoes
The key to achieving perfectly tender potatoes in this dish lies in the initial dicing process. Make sure your potato pieces are uniform in size, approximately 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the delicious flavors from the beef and spices. If your potato chunks are too large, they may remain undercooked while the beef develops a deeper flavor. A sharp knife will simplify the cutting process and maintain safety in the kitchen.
Another technique to consider is the timing of when you add the potatoes. By waiting until the onions and garlic are translucent, you allow deeper flavors to develop in the beef first. Adding the diced potatoes later gives them just enough time to absorb the seasoned broth while cooking, resulting in an oh-so-satisfying texture. Remember, a gentle stir just before pouring the broth will help incorporate the flavors without mashing the potatoes.
Flavor Enhancements and Variations
While the provided spices create a wonderful foundation, feel free to experiment with additional flavors. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add a rich umami depth that pairs beautifully with the beef. Alternatively, for a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. These additions can easily accommodate your family’s taste preferences, giving you flexibility without demanding a complete recipe overhaul.
For a more vibrant dish, incorporate some fresh vegetables like peas or carrots right before serving. They cook quickly and add a great pop of color and nutrition to the meal. If you’re looking for a way to use leftovers, try topping the dish with shredded cheese in the last few minutes of cooking. Covering the pot will melt the cheese perfectly, transforming this comforting dish into a cheesy delight that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent. Then, add the diced potatoes to the pot.
Season and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth and season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes are cooked through, give the dish a good stir and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce before serving. You can also customize this dish by throwing in some of your favorite vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store, simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. When reheating, use a low heat setting on your stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the potatoes from drying out. Heat gently until warmed through, usually about 5-10 minutes on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
If you want to make ahead, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture and refrigerate it for a day. When ready to eat, just proceed to simmer with the broth. This can save you about 20 minutes of cooking, making weeknight dinners even simpler. You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to three months; just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Scaling the Recipe
Should you need to scale this recipe for a larger group, it’s simple to double or even triple the ingredients. Just keep in mind that your cooking time may increase slightly, especially if you’re using a more substantial pot. Ensure that the beef is browned properly by working in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pot can lead to uneven cooking, so prioritize quality over quantity in your cooking technique.
If you're making a bigger batch, increasing the broth proportionally will maintain a balanced flavor throughout. However, be cautious not to oversaturate with liquid, as this might dilute the rich taste. If you find your mixture too watery, uncover the pot during the last stages of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate, thickening the dish to your desired consistency.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
→ What if I don't have beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as alternatives.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
A simple salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely to complement the meal.
One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
I love how easy it is to prepare a hearty meal with just one pot. One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes is a dish that has quickly become a family favorite in our home. Combining savory ground beef with tender potatoes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a satisfying dinner. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! With everything cooking together, you get a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Created by: Callie Morgan
Recipe Type: Hearty Home Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent. Then, add the diced potatoes to the pot.
Pour in the beef broth and season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked through, give the dish a good stir and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce before serving. You can also customize this dish by throwing in some of your favorite vegetables.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 24g