Simple Ground Beef and Potatoes: A Hearty, No-Fuss Meal 🥔🥩⏱️
1. Introduction
Are you searching for a meal that’s not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying and won’t break the bank? Look no further! This ground beef and potatoes recipe is your ultimate solution. Ideal for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, this easy beef potato dish calls for just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, yet it delivers a burst of comforting flavor that the whole family will love. It’s the epitome of classic comfort food, reinvented for today’s fast-paced lifestyles.

This fantastic ground beef and potatoes recipe hinges on the beauty of simplicity. With just a few key ingredients – ground beef, humble potatoes, and some everyday seasonings – you can whip up a filling and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just dipping your toes into the culinary world, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into how to create this delicious and utterly convenient dish in mere minutes! You might even want to try pairing it with a refreshing Cucumber Salad for a complete meal!
2. Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Ready to devour in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for those hectic weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizes inexpensive, easily accessible ingredients that won’t strain your wallet.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your unique taste preferences – feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or experiment with different spices. Thinking of adding a spicy kick?
- One-Pan Meal: Less time cleaning, more time enjoying! This means minimal cleanup is required, freeing you up to relax after dinner.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular, your choice!)
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work great)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic lover!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or water, in a pinch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish (adds a touch of freshness)
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
First, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Continue cooking until all the meat is browned. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease – this will keep the dish from being too oily.

2. Add Potatoes and Onions
Now, it’s time to add some aromatic goodness! Introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, joining forces with the browned ground beef. Cook this dynamic duo until the onion becomes soft and translucent, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step infuses the dish with a wonderful savory base. Next, add the cubed potatoes and stir everything together, ensuring the potatoes are coated with the beef and onion mixture. This is where the flavors really start to meld!

3. Simmer with Broth
Pour the beef broth into the skillet, creating a flavorful simmering liquid. Season generously with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Give everything a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes. This slow simmering process allows the potatoes to absorb the savory broth and become wonderfully creamy. You can use this recipe for reference.

4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes have reached peak tenderness and the liquid has reduced slightly, it’s time to feast! Remove the skillet from the heat. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley – it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve this simple potato and beef meal hot, right from the skillet, and savor every bite. For a delightful twist, consider serving it with a side of Crispy Hash Browns!

5. Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by mixing in diced carrots, sweet peas, or crisp green beans.
- Spice it Up: Craving some heat? Add a pinch of fiery red pepper flakes or a generous dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Cheese Please: Elevate the cheesiness factor by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you love!) over the top during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt into gooey perfection.
- Gravy: Transform this dish into a richer, more decadent experience by mixing in a packet of savory brown gravy mix with the beef broth.
- Use Different Potatoes: Feel free to experiment with different potato varieties! Russet potatoes offer a classic starchy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes provide a buttery flavor, and red potatoes hold their shape well during cooking.
6. Serving Suggestions
This quick ground beef recipe is a satisfying and complete meal all on its own. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and potatoes. Or, serve it alongside some crusty bread, perfect for sopping up all those delicious savory juices. Don’t forget a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt for an extra layer of flavor and tang! This dish would also go great with Flaky Ham Biscuit Sandwiches.
7. Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The flavors often meld together even more overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious!
8. Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
9. Conclusion
This simple ground beef and potatoes recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for anyone in search of a delicious, effortlessly easy, and budget-conscious meal. With minimal prep time required and straightforward instructions that even novice cooks can follow, you can have a hearty and truly satisfying dinner gracing your table in minutes. Embrace the comforting flavors of this beloved classic and make it a regular part of your weekly meal rotation! For another flavorful option, be sure to try our Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad!
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Simple Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe Ready in Minutes
This Simple Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a hearty, no-fuss meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines ground beef, potatoes, and simple seasonings into a comforting dish loved by the whole family.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the cubed potatoes and stir to combine.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are tender and the liquid has reduced slightly, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Add diced carrots, peas, or green beans for extra nutrients.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese in the last few minutes for a cheesy version.
- Mix in a brown gravy packet with the broth for a richer sauce.
- Feel free to use any type of potatoes such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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