Ready for a heartwarming, satisfying meal that delights every eater at your dinner table? Ground Beef and Potatoes is my go-to for simple comfort on a busy day, combining savory beef, tender potatoes, and a pop of colorful veggies in a one-pan meal. With just a few staples from your fridge and pantry, you get a dish brimming with flavor and texture that tastes like home—whether you pile it onto plates or scoop it straight from the skillet. This recipe is the essence of unfussy, cozy cooking with results that never fail to impress!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of accessible ingredients is all it takes to unlock the deep, robust flavor of this Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe. Each item serves a special purpose, lending a bit of color, season, or heartiness that makes this dish sing. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters.

Olive oil: Adds a velvety base and prevents sticking while boosting the overall richness of the dish.
Lean ground beef: The protein centerpiece, it brings savory flavor and satisfying texture—opt for lean for less grease.
Yellow onion: For gentle sweetness and depth, onions work magic as they sauté and caramelize.
Red bell pepper: Pops of color and a gentle crunch, plus a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up all those seasonings and juices.
Beef stock or water: Moistens the potatoes and helps infuse all the flavors together as they simmer.
Worcestershire sauce: This secret-weapon ingredient layers in umami and complexity without extra fuss.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle zing that ties everything together.
Green onions: The finishing touch—bright, fresh, and perfect for sprinkling over the final dish.
Cumin: Earthy and warming, it brings out the deep notes in both meat and potatoes.
Paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and a hint of color that brightens every forkful.
Dried thyme: Herbal, woodsy, and just what the potatoes need to shine.
Garlic powder: Provides mellow, roasted garlic undertones with no peeling or chopping required.
Salt: Fundamental for enhancing every flavor in this skillet supper.
Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and rounds out every bite with its mild sharpness.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks, and season with half of your spice mixture. You’ll want to brown the meat until it’s deeply savory and has those tempting caramelized edges—this step is where much of the flavor magic happens. Once the beef is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Trust me: a little time here layering flavors pays off big later.

Step 2: Tenderize the Potatoes

In the same skillet (so you capture all those delicious beefy bits), add the cubed Yukon gold potatoes. Sprinkle on your remaining spice mix and pour in the beef stock or water. Cover the skillet to trap steam and let the potatoes simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re fork-tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, taking on all the savory goodness of your seasonings.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Once the potatoes are soft, add in the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Keep the skillet uncovered here, letting the vegetables sauté for a few minutes until they’re softened but still vibrant. The way these veggies mellow out and sweeten as they cook is pure gold for the overall flavor of your Ground Beef and Potatoes.

Step 4: Combine and Layer in Flavor

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with your potatoes and veggies. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir in the Dijon mustard. Mix well so the tangy, savory flavors meld into every bite. Taste and adjust your seasoning here to suit your palate—this is your chance to make the dish uniquely yours.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. This final touch adds a lovely pop of freshness and color, finishing the Ground Beef and Potatoes beautifully. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet for maximum coziness!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes

Garnishes

Bright green onions are classic, but you can also shower your dish with a little fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. These garnishes add pops of color and contrasting flavors, making your Ground Beef and Potatoes just a little extra special. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat!

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or a simple batch of steamed green beans make ideal sides, offering a balance against the hearty main dish. I also love a buttered dinner roll on the side—perfect for scooping up every last bite of Ground Beef and Potatoes. If you want to keep it classic, serve with warm bread or a pile of pickles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try loading the finished Ground Beef and Potatoes into roasted bell pepper halves for a colorful presentation. Or layer it over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort-food experience. Kids love it packed into soft tortillas or even slid between fluffy hamburger buns—a whole new take on the meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes tastes just as delicious over the next day or two. Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making those subsequent meals every bit as satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Once cooled, place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Ground Beef and Potatoes can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just label and date your packages for easy weeknight meals, anytime!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen), then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef stock if needed. Microwaving also works—just stir every minute or so for even heating. The potatoes reheat well and maintain their tenderness with either method.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes create an especially creamy and rich base, russet or red potatoes also work. Just make sure to cut them into even cubes for consistent cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Ground Beef and Potatoes is naturally gluten-free as written. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may include wheat-based ingredients.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in carrots, peas, or even corn for extra pops of color and sweetness. Just add them during the vegetable sauté to ensure everything cooks evenly.

How can I make it spicier?

For some heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper, diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce when you stir in the Worcestershire and Dijon. Adjust the spice to your taste—the base recipe is very adaptable.

Can I prepare Ground Beef and Potatoes ahead for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and reheats like a charm, making it convenient for lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like sharing a skillet of Ground Beef and Potatoes with friends or family—warm, hearty, and impossibly comforting. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Let it become a staple in your kitchen, ready to bring a little extra coziness (and a lot of flavor) to any table!