Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal, especially when it’s filled with hearty ingredients that can appeal to everyone at the table. Our Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe brings together savory ground beef and tender potatoes, all United with a melty layer of sharp cheddar cheese on top. This dish is simple yet satisfying, perfect for those busy weeknights or even laid-back weekends when you crave something wholesome and delicious without a lot of fuss.
Table of Contents
I first made this dish during a particularly hectic week, struggling to balance work deadlines and family obligations. I needed something that could come together quickly and relied on ingredients I usually have on hand. As soon as the fragrant aromas filled my kitchen, my family gathered around, drawn by the delicious scent. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and undeniably satisfying. I’m excited for you to try this easy recipe—it’s sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of smoked paprika and garlic makes every bite burst with flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bubbling melted cheese on top is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with careful ingredient selection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – A healthy fat that helps cook the beef evenly.
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef – The center of this dish; lean beef ensures less grease while remaining juicy.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided – Enhances flavor; using in two stages helps balance seasoning.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with a warm and aromatic essence.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Provides a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A key spice to round out the flavors.
- 1 ½ pounds yukon gold potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes – A creamy and buttery variety that doesn’t need peeling, adding texture to the meal.
- 1 cup water – Essential for cooking the potatoes through steam.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard – Introduces a tangy culinary note.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the meat.
- 4 tablespoons ketchup – Brings a touch of sweetness and richness.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated – Melts beautifully on top; sharpness elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F, which is perfect for melting the cheese later on. If you’re feeling lucky, skip this step and use the stovetop for a quicker meal.
Sauté Beef and Onions: In a large heavy-bottom skillet with a lid over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the finely diced onion and 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Keep going until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-8 minutes.
Cook the Potatoes: Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside. Without washing the skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped yukon gold potatoes. Sprinkle with another teaspoon of kosher salt and cook for about a minute until the spices waft through the air.
Steam the Potatoes: Pour in ¼ cup of water and cover the skillet, letting the potatoes steam and cook until just tender, stirring frequently. This should take around 15-20 minutes. If the potatoes start sticking, don’t hesitate to add another ¼ cup of water to keep things smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Once your potatoes reach the perfect tender stage, add the cooked beef back into the skillet along with 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 4 tablespoons ketchup. Stir everything together and add an additional splash of ¼ cup water if it seems on the dry side.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the beef and potato mixture, mixing to combine. Layer the rest of the cheese on top. Pop the skillet into the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until everything is beautifully melted. Serve warm, and enjoy your creation!
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers at room temperature, allow it to cool for no more than two hours. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you decide to freeze, make sure the dish is completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You might notice a slight change in texture—feel free to sprinkle a little extra cheese while reheating to refresh the dish!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the potatoes as they can become mushy. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or green beans into the mix for even more texture.
- Ensure your skillet is large enough, allowing for even cooking without crowding.
- If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the meat.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep, so double the ingredients and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
There’s something deeply satisfying about digging into a hearty dish that a warm hug with every bite. With flavors that meld beautifully and a comforting home-cooked aroma that fills the kitchen, this dish is bound to win you over, like it did for me. Feel free to experiment with different spices or add your favorite toppings; after all, cooking is all about personal expression!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While yukon gold potatoes offer a creamy texture, russet potatoes can be used as well. Just be mindful that they might require a slightly longer cooking time due to their starch content.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, you can create a substitute using soy sauce mixed with a little bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This will mimic the tangy flavor.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat and potato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat it up, add cheese, and pop it into the oven to melt.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils. Adjust the spices to make sure they complement the ingredients used for the best flavor.
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📖 Recipe Card
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is a hearty dish with irresistible flavors. Made with ground beef, tender potatoes, and cheese, this one-pan dinner is perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds yukon gold or russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (optional).
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, diced onion, and ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Break up the beef and cook for 5-8 minutes until browned and the onion is softened, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped potatoes, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ¼ cup of water, cover, and cook while stirring frequently until the potatoes are just tender, about 15-20 minutes. Add more water if they begin to stick.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the beef, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. If needed, add another ¼ cup of water.
- Mix in half of the cheese, still keeping some to sprinkle on top. Cover and cook until melted, serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite type of cheese.
If you prefer a lighter meal, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
