I just can’t wait to share this delightful recipe for Ground Beef and Potatoes with you! This dish is like a warm hug on a rainy day—a true comfort food that feels like home. Growing up, my family would whip this up on busy weeknights. The aroma of sautéed garlic and onions would fill our kitchen, and then we’d all gather around the table, excited to dig in. It’s those little moments that make me love cooking even more!
What I adore about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s the kind of meal where each spoonful feels hearty and satisfying—perfect for any night of the week or even as leftovers, which I often find myself sneaking from the fridge!
What’s in Ground Beef and Potatoes?
Let’s break down the star cast of ingredients that come together to create this fabulous dish:
Ground Beef: This is the meaty base of the recipe, giving it a rich flavor that’s not only filling but also full of protein. I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it lighter, but you can choose any kind of ground beef that you like!
Potatoes: The unsung heroes of comfort food! I usually go for medium-sized russet or Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold up nicely during cooking and lend a creamy texture beneath that crispy golden exterior.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color to the dish. It’s amazing how just a little bit of vibrant color can brighten up your meal!
Onion: Ah, sweet, aromatic onions—essential for building the flavor. When cooked down, they get wonderfully sweet and caramelized and pair perfectly with the beef.
Garlic: I believe garlic makes everything better! Plus, it infuses the dish with such a delicious, savory aroma. I always add an extra clove or two if I’m feeling adventurous.
Olive Oil: Just a couple of tablespoons for sautéing. I like using extra virgin olive oil since it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Paprika: This spice adds a mild warmth and an enticing color—a perfect way to enhance the taste of the meat without overpowering it.
Cumin: For a dash of earthiness, cumin completes the flavor profile beautifully and is a fantastic compliment to beef.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and bringing this dish to life.
Beef Broth or Water: This is optional, but adding broth steams the potatoes and elevates the dish’s flavor.
Chopped Green Onions: They’re the finishing touch, adding a fresh, zesty crunch that ties everything together.
Is Ground Beef and Potatoes Good for You?
Now, let’s get real about health—this dish does have its pros and cons. On one hand, you’ve got some hearty nutrients and proteins, thanks to the ground beef and potatoes.
Ground Beef: As a source of protein, it helps in muscle building and repair but can be high in saturated fats. Opt for leaner cuts to keep it healthier!
Potatoes: A great source of vitamins C and B6, along with potassium, they provide energy as well. Just be cautious about portion sizes if you’re watching your carb intake!
Red Bell Pepper: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, it’s a pure health booster and is great for your skin and immune system.
Olive Oil: It’s mostly healthy fats! Keep an eye on the quantity, though, as calories can add up.
In moderation, this hearty dish can absolutely fit into a nutritious diet—sometimes, a little comfort food is just what the doctor ordered!
Your Ground Beef and Potatoes Ingredient List
– 1 lb ground beef
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup beef broth or water (optional)
– Chopped green onions for garnish
– Serves 4
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes?
1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and irresistible.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in the diced potatoes and red bell pepper, then season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up well!
5. If needed, pour in the beef broth or water to help get those potatoes cooked through. Cover the skillet and let it all simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove the lid and cook for a few extra minutes if there’s any excess moisture.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed and then take it off the heat.
8. Finally, garnish with those beautiful chopped green onions before serving.
Tips & Tricks for a Tasty Dish
Want to make this dish even more special? You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or go vegetarian and use lentils or chickpeas instead! Don’t forget you can add more veggies, like zucchini or carrots, to sneak in some additional nutrition.
This meal pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all those yummy juices. Grab a fork and dig in—you’re going to love this comforting dish as much as I do.
I promise, after trying this recipe, you’ll be making Ground Beef and Potatoes a regular at your dinner table! I can’t wait for you to share your thoughts on it. Let me know how it turns out!
