Name: Ground Beef and Potato Recipe - Easy Hearty Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced; 1 medium onion finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for cheese casseroles; 1/2 cup sour cream optional; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika optional; 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional

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Ground Beef and Potato Recipe

Ground beef and potato recipes have long been staples in home kitchens because they are simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile. The combination of tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef delivers a hearty, satisfying dish that can be adapted for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. When cooked carefully, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and comforting.

More Dinner Ideas

This ground beef and potato recipe stands out because it balances textures and flavors perfectly. The beef provides rich umami, the potatoes offer a soft, creamy contrast, and when combined with onions, herbs, and a touch of seasoning, every bite is deeply satisfying. It’s no wonder Potato And Ground Beef Casserole Recipes and Ground Beef Potato Onion Casserole variations are favorites in homes around the world.

Home cooks love this dish because it is forgiving and adaptable. You can layer it as a casserole, cook it in a skillet, or make it as a one-pot meal. Recipes such as Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole and Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole Recipes offer creamy, indulgent versions, while simpler iterations like 4-ingredient Ground Beef Casserole prove that flavor doesn’t require complexity. The dish is also highly practical. It fits neatly into Ground Beef And Potatoes or Beef Potato Casserole traditions, works for Beef Recipes Easy Dinners, and can be scaled up for larger families or batch cooking. Its appeal lies in its accessibility: affordable ingredients, straightforward cooking, and universally loved flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this ground beef and potato recipe because it brings together simplicity and flavor. Using fresh ingredients and proper seasoning, the dish tastes much more sophisticated than it seems. The balance between hearty beef and tender potatoes makes it satisfying, while layers of cheese, onions, or cream add richness that elevates the meal.

The versatility is another reason. You can make it as a one-pan skillet meal, a layered casserole, or even a hearty Beef Pasta dish with ground beef and potatoes integrated. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or occasions where you want comfort without extensive preparation. Additionally, this recipe is forgiving. Ground beef can be browned, seasoned, and paired with potatoes, onions, and optional cheeses in numerous ways. Variations like Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole or Beef And Potatoes are all achievable with the same core method. It is reliable, flavorful, and widely loved, making it a go-to recipe for families and casual chefs alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for cheese casseroles
1/2 cup sour cream optional
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika optional
1 teaspoon dried thyme optional

Substitution Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Potatoes can be replaced with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet flavor.
Cheddar cheese can be replaced with mozzarella or Gruyère.
Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt for tanginess.
Beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-adjacent version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Peel and dice the potatoes into even cubes. This ensures they cook uniformly. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then set aside.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Drain excess fat if desired.

Step 3: Sauté the onions and garlic

Add chopped onions to the beef and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. This step builds depth of flavor for the ground beef and potato recipe.

Step 4: Combine potatoes and seasonings

Add diced potatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine evenly. Pour in beef broth and cover the skillet, letting it simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add cheese and cream (optional)

If making a Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole, stir in shredded cheese and sour cream. Mix gently to coat the potatoes and beef. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.

Step 6: Finish and taste

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Make sure potatoes are fully cooked and the beef is tender.

Step 7: Serve warm

Transfer to a serving dish if desired, or serve directly from the skillet.

How to Serve

This ground beef and potato recipe is a versatile and hearty dish that can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion and your preferences. For a casual family dinner, serve it straight from the skillet or casserole dish, allowing everyone to scoop their portion directly onto their plates. This rustic presentation highlights the dish’s comforting nature and keeps cleanup minimal.

For a more elegant presentation, consider plating individual portions in shallow bowls or on warm dinner plates. Spoon the ground beef and potato mixture neatly in the center and garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, thyme, or chives. A light sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil can add color and shine, making the dish look restaurant-quality.
Pair the dish with complementary sides for a balanced meal. Fresh green vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or sautéed green beans add color, texture, and nutrition. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide contrast to the richness of the beef and potatoes.
Cheese lovers can serve the dish alongside a small ramekin of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a melting cheese sauce for extra indulgence. For a fusion approach, serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any delicious juices from the casserole.
This recipe also works well as part of a larger spread for dinner parties. Arrange in a large baking dish on the buffet, and let guests serve themselves. The dish pairs nicely with other comforting favorites such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or Beef Pasta dishes.
If you prefer a modern, minimalist approach, serve the ground beef and potato recipe on a white plate with careful layering. Place the beef and potato mixture slightly off-center and add a small heap of microgreens or fresh herbs on top. This technique elevates the dish visually without altering the home-cooked comfort it provides.
For weeknight meals, this recipe can be served family-style in a skillet or casserole, keeping it warm at the center of the table. This allows everyone to serve themselves and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of tender potatoes and perfectly seasoned ground beef.

Additional Tips

Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
Brown ground beef well for deeper flavor.
Do not overcook onions; they should be soft but not caramelized.
Simmer gently to prevent potatoes from breaking apart.
Add herbs and seasonings at the end for maximum aroma.
Layer cheese carefully if making a casserole for best melting results.

Recipe Variations

Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère cheese to the beef and potato mixture during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking. This creates a rich, creamy casserole that melts in your mouth, perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole: Incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, or green peas for added texture, color, and nutrition. This variation adds a festive, visually appealing touch while keeping the dish easy to prepare.
4-ingredient Ground Beef Casserole: Use only ground beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese for a quick, minimalist version. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants a simple, comforting meal with minimal prep.
Skillet Ground Beef and Potato: Cook everything in a single skillet, allowing the potatoes to crisp slightly while the beef remains juicy. This method reduces cleanup and produces a rustic, hearty meal that works well for casual dinners.
Beef Potato Onion Casserole: Layer thinly sliced potatoes with browned beef and caramelized onions, bake until golden and bubbly. This variation delivers deeper flavor and a more elegant presentation, ideal for Beef Recipes Easy Dinners or special occasions.
Beef Pasta with Potatoes: Mix cooked pasta into the ground beef and potato mixture for a fusion one-pot meal. Top with shredded cheese and bake for a filling, kid-friendly dinner that combines Beef And Potatoes comfort with pasta versatility.
Herbed Ground Beef and Potato Bake: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for aromatic flavor. This variation elevates the dish with subtle, fragrant notes that complement the savory beef and tender potatoes beautifully.
Spicy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: Add chili flakes, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños for a warming, mildly spicy twist. This version is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their Beef Dinner or One Pot Meals.
Creamy Sour Cream and Cheese Variation: Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt along with shredded cheese just before finishing. This variation creates a luscious, creamy texture that enhances the comforting quality of the dish.
Mediterranean Style Ground Beef and Potato: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. This version offers a flavorful variation while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftover ground beef and potato recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.
If using cheese or cream, stir gently when reheating to prevent separation.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 350
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Final Words

This ground beef and potato recipe is a reliable, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings comfort to any table. It combines the richness of ground beef with the softness of potatoes, creating a dish that is universally loved. Whether you prepare a simple skillet meal or a layered Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole, the result is a home-cooked dinner that satisfies.

The recipe is versatile, forgiving, and perfect for weeknights, family meals, or casual gatherings. Its adaptability allows you to experiment with variations like Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole Recipes, Skillet meals, or One Pot Meals, ensuring that every meal is both satisfying and unique.

Cooking this dish at home allows you to control seasoning, texture, and flavor while providing a hearty, nutritious meal for family and friends. With simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and easy customization, this ground beef and potato recipe becomes a staple in your dinner rotation. From Beef Potato Casserole to Beef And Potatoes weeknight meals, this recipe is comforting, accessible, and delicious every time. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and know that a homemade ground beef and potato meal is always more rewarding than store-bought alternatives.

FAQ’s

Yes, frozen diced potatoes work well but may require a few extra minutes of cooking.

Yes, prepare the beef and potatoes separately and combine before reheating.

Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.

Yes, carrots, peas, bell peppers, or corn can be added for extra flavor and color.

Absolutely, it can be cooked entirely in a skillet for a simple one-pot meal.