Ground Beef and Potatoes

This easy one-pan ground beef and potatoes dish is a cozy, hearty meal made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s packed with tender diced potatoes, savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and bold seasonings, all brought together in a quick skillet sauté. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for the weekend, this satisfying recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan, no-fuss cleanup
• Packed with protein and veggies
• Perfect for meal prep
• Easy to customize with toppings or sides
• Ready in about 35 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main Ingredients
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes
1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced

Seasonings
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Sriracha), plus more for serving

Garnish
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottoms are golden. Flip and cook another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and tender. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the beef and vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s mostly browned. Add the onion and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and the beef is fully cooked.

Step 3: Season the skillet
Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine and let the flavors blend for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and finish
Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately. Optional toppings include shredded cheese, fried eggs, or more hot sauce.

Serving Ideas

• Serve in a bowl topped with a fried egg and shredded cheese
• Wrap in a tortilla for a breakfast or dinner burrito
• Add a side of sautéed greens or a garden salad
• Top with sour cream, salsa, or avocado for a Tex-Mex twist

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through
• Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months

Ingredient Swaps

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Try sweet potatoes or red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold
• Olive oil or avocado oil can replace canola oil
• Skip the hot sauce or use chili flakes if you prefer a milder spice

Tips for Success

• Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet so the potatoes crisp properly
• Let beef cook undisturbed at first to brown better
• Add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more volume

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 410
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

Note: These are approximate values and will vary depending on brands and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Try using plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms as a meat alternative.

Can I add cheese?
Yes, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all melt nicely over the top.

What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds are ideal, but russet or red potatoes also work well.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave after thawing.

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